“It’s hardly Alaska”: Frustrated - and hardy - commuters hit out after frosty conditions led to long rush-hour delays across the tram network this morning.
Trams serving Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport were affected by the delays, which were due to “severe weather conditions”.
It is believed ice on the overhead lines was behind the “severe” delays and Altrincham commuters were redirected to the 263 city-bound bus service.
Metrolink apologised for the inconvenience on its Twitter page but travellers blasted the travel operator for the delays - and some throwing in a joke or two about the "severe weather" explanation.
@MCRMetrolink Severe. It's a bit of frost. It's hardly Alaska.
— Paul (@mbalsaritchie) January 24, 2017
@MCRMetrolink Siberia has severe weather. This is a skidmark compared to days when weather has been much worse and trams were on time.
— Dylan (@Dylan_Monk) January 24, 2017
@MCRMetrolink Severe weather! A cold clear morning with a bit of frost! Stock up on bread and water, it's the Apocalypse!
— RP Standlee (@ryohmy) January 24, 2017
@MCRMetrolink You're right guys, I've just watched a polar bear strut down Pomona tram stop. Please alert all your staff checking tickets.
— Compo (@_Compo) January 24, 2017
@MCRMetrolink embarrassing to all mancunians you lot. It's not even big coat weather today.
— Andy McIntyre (@EamonMcLovin) January 24, 2017
.@MCRMetrolink Yesterday's rain = frozen lines and surfaces this morning with plenty of ice but shouldn't bring us to a halt. #NeverInEurope
— Oldham Weather (@ChadWeather) January 24, 2017
Many of the lines are now back to normal but minor delays remain on the Altrincham and East Didsbury lines. The 263 bus is no longer accepting tram tickets.
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