Imagine starting your day with a jolt – not from your coffee, but from the screeching halt of public transport! That's precisely what happened in Manchester today, leaving commuters stranded and schedules in chaos. A BMW, for reasons still unclear, found itself wedged firmly on the Metrolink tracks, bringing the Ashton line to a complete standstill. But here's where it gets controversial... was it a simple mistake, or something more deliberate?
As of this morning, January 18th, trams are suspended 'until further notice' between Piccadilly and Ashton-under-Lyne. The culprit? A rogue BMW, stubbornly lodged near the New Islington tram stop, right in the heart of Manchester. This unexpected obstacle is causing significant disruption, leaving countless passengers scrambling for alternative routes.
Ancoats and Beswick councillor Alan Good had a front-row seat to the unfolding drama. "I was at my local tram stop in New Islington and a BMW just drove down the tram tracks," he recounted. "It obviously stopped because of the drop, might have busted a tyre. No way it's getting out without getting towed." Imagine witnessing that! It begs the question: how does a car end up on tram tracks in the first place?
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) swiftly responded, announcing the suspension of services. Their website states: "Due to a car on the track at New Islington we are currently unable to operate services on the Ashton Line. Customers can use tickets on Bee Network Bus Services." Specifically, passengers can use their Metrolink tickets on the 7, 53, 76, 76A, 171, 172, 216, 219, 220, 221, 230, and 231 bus services. A helpful alternative, but hardly a seamless solution for those accustomed to the speed and convenience of the tram.
Key Events Unfolding:
- BMW Abandoned (11:39 AM): The M.E.N. reports that the BMW has been abandoned. Witnesses apparently saw the occupants leaving the vehicle on foot. And this is the part most people miss... Why abandon the car? Did something else happen that we're not being told?
- Car Stuck Near Tunnel (11:29 AM): The location of the stranded vehicle is particularly problematic. It's positioned precariously close to the tunnel entrance leading to Piccadilly, effectively blocking the entire line. A Metrolink van and several workers are on the scene, along with a stationary tram, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
Which Tram Stops Are Affected?
The following tram stops are currently out of service:
- Ashton-under-Lyne
- Ashton West
- Ashton Moss
- Audenshaw
- Droylsden
- Cemetery Road
- Edge Lane
- Clayton Hall
- Velopark
- Etihad Campus
- Holt Town
- New Islington
While the Ashton line remains paralyzed, services are running smoothly between Piccadilly and Eccles, and all other Metrolink lines are operating as usual.
TfGM reiterated their message: "Due to a vehicle obstructing the track at New Islington, there is currently no tram service on the Ashton line. No services will operate between Piccadilly and Ashton-under-Lyne. Tickets and Passes are being accepted on the 7, 53, 76, 76A, 171, 172, 216, 219, 220, 221, 230, 231 bus services. Simply show the driver your Metrolink ticket or pass when boarding."
The Greater Manchester Police have been informed of the incident. But here's where it gets controversial again: Should the driver face charges? Was this simply a case of extreme absentmindedness, or reckless endangerment? What do you think? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Let's discuss!
