METROLINK bosses have issued an apology following the widespread disruption to tram services.

Services travelling between Queens Road and Bury, in both directions, were suspended from 2.40pm yesterday due to damage to an overhead line in Radcliffe.

Commuters were warned trams from Bury were still suspended this morning and that replacement bus services were in place between Queens Road and Bury, calling at all stops.

Passengers could also use their tickets on the 42, 135, 97, 98 and 524 bus services.

Technicians worked through the night to try and restore services before trams eventually started running again on Tuesday afternoon.

The effect of the suspensions led to delays in other areas of the network, and was further compounded after damage to another overhead line at Cornbrook.

Aline Frantzen, Managing Director at KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), said: “We are sincerely sorry for the disruption on Metrolink services on Monday and Tuesday – we know that people had long and difficult journeys as a result.

“The disruption was caused by two separate incidents on the network where the overhead lines were damaged at Bury and Cornbrook, affecting a significant number of services.

“The overhead lines are inspected on a weekly basis and this type of incident is incredibly rare, but it does have a very significant impact on customers when they do occur. 

“Repairs are now complete but investigations into the cause are ongoing. We are liaising closely with TfGM to look at what lessons can be learnt and how to reduce the risk of this happening again.

“Our engineers worked through the night with both TfGM colleagues and experts from around the country, who are a part of the wider KAM network, to tackle the issues as quickly as possible - but they were complex and took some time to address.

“I’d ask any customers who were inconvenienced to get in touch with KAM regarding compensation. A dedicated email address has been set up at refunds1902@metrolink.co.uk – so please get in touch if you were affected."

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said he has called an urgent meeting with TfGM and Metrolink on Tuesday morning to get answers about the disruption and a service improvement plan.

Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “I’d like to reiterate my apologies for the delay to people’s journeys on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, and assure them we are doing all we can to ensure this type of incident does not occur again.

“TfGM has been working closely with KAM to look at the cause of the incident, the way it was handled and the way customers were informed. We have also been liaising closely with the Mayor’s office regarding this matter and a report is being produced which will include a review of what happened and measures which can be taken.”