Oldham’s trams are set to double in frequency following months of disruption.

Trams are set to return to a six-minute service from ‘early May’, according to Metrolink bosses, with Oldham trams being reduced to a 12-minute service since late February after a cracked rail was discovered in January.

Back when Metrolink came to the borough in 2012, passengers were promised trams between Shaw and Manchester every six minutes.

Since 2017, Oldham services have normally run via the network’s ‘Second City Crossing’ – with trams going via Exchange Square rather than Market Street, to improve capacity and reliability on the network.

However, after a cracked rail was discovered between Victoria and Exchange Square in January all trams were re-routed via the old Market Street route.

Then, in late February, Oldham’s tram frequency was slashed. Services which usually travelled from East Didsbury to Shaw were altered to terminate at Exchange Square, restoring service to the stop, but meaning trams between Oldham and Manchester were reduced to every 12 minutes.

The situation led to chaos earlier in March when trams had to be stopped in the city centre after a fire broke out at Piccadilly Gardens, as they were unable to be diverted using the second crossing.

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s head of Metrolink, said: “Repairs to the complex crossing have been completed and final checks are in progress ahead of reinstalling the rail.

“TfGM is working closely with the operator and our engineering partners to reinstate full operations through Victoria in early May in a way which will result in the least amount of disruption for passengers.”

Oldham borough Cllr Louie Hamblett, representing Crompton, said: “As a user of public transport myself, this will be a great relief, especially during the rush hours.

“I know the cracked line couldn't be helped, but the length it's taken has been really frustrating, so it is welcome news.” 

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