I used the new tram destination generator it gave interesting results

ChatGPT, Google Bard, Photoshop AI, and now: the Metrolink destination generator.

OK, I’m exaggerating – the Metrolink destination generator is unlikely to spark warnings over human extinction or even cause concern that students are using it to cheat their way to a degree.

What the tool is designed to do is to boost ridership of Greater Manchester’s tram system this summer, as part of the 'Get on Board' campaign, with ridership still down compared to pre-pandemic levels.

As of last month, passenger numbers across the network remained at about 85 per cent compared to 2019 levels.

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Located at https://summer.tfgm.com, the generator is focused on inspiring leisure trips, rather than helping out anyone looking to plan a commute.

It’s a pretty simple system. You answer a few questions, such as who you’re travelling with, which borough you want to visit, and what type of activity you’re interested in, and the system spits out a place for you to go, along with information on the nearest tram stop and what kind of ticket it thinks you should use.

The destination generator isn’t going to win any awards for technology. I asked it to give me a destination in Oldham which would be good for shopping on the weekend, and it presented me with Shaw Market, suggesting a weekend day pass ticket. Just one problem – it also said the market is only open on Thursday. Oops.

I ended up asking it for somewhere outdoors in Oldham that I could visit on a weekday, and it told me to try Dunwood Park, in Shaw. It recommended the Shaw and Crompton tram stop.

Full disclosure: Transport for Greater Manchester gave us a free ticket to use on the tram.

The destination generator said to go to Dunwood Park (Image: TfGM)

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After the small matter of a 17-minute walk from the stop, I got to the park, which is right next to the tram tracks, so it turns out.

To regain my energy before taking a walk around the park, I enjoyed a toastie from the Woodlands Cafe, which opened at the end of last year.

There’s even a resident black cat who likes to hang out at the cafe too, which was extremely cute.

A cat at Dunwood Park cafe (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

Other destinations in Oldham the tool recommended included Oldham Library and the gallery.

Going to Dunwood Park was nice, but the walk from the stop was clearly just a little bit too long for some to be fully accessible – it would be great if they could plan for an extra tram stop to fill the gap after Shaw’s stop, like the one already planned further down at Cop Road.

Speaking to locals in the park, it was clear they agreed too.

I think the generator is a good guide to places you can reach on the tram network, and it’s definitely worth a go – just make sure to do your own research too.