A campaign for trams to run through the night until early mornings across Greater Manchester reached Salford city council at its meeting today (Wednesday October 19). Liberal Democract councillors submitted a motion asking the authority to back their call for Metrolink trams to run until 2am during the week and until 4am at weekends.
They want a service that 'suits workers, residents and tourists' and are citing a petition run over the last two years which has 'hundreds of signatures'. Coun Alex Warren said: "There is an appetite for this in Greater Manchester. Many other cities have this and we are lacking in our public services.
"Having the option of a safe and regular journey home at night for workers and customers is sensible." The motion says that following the pandemic 'our city has bounced back in a big way'.
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"Gigs, restaurants, clubbing and festivals have blossomed with millions flocking to Salford and Greater Manchester," it says. "If you are out working, or enjoying yourself late at night, residents face a curfew for the tram, expensive taxis, or a risky walk home in the dark."
It says that Ella Watson, a local resident in London, successfully campaigned to get the night tube reinstated to increase women's safety in the city. The motion goes on: "A late-night level of access to Greater Manchester's tram services is the best option to ensure thousands of women across the region can get home safely in the evenings and at night.
"Millions of people enjoy and work as part of the city's famous and vibrant night-time economy. Let's provide commuter services that extend beyond the nine-to-five for our hospitality workers."
The motion proposes to ask Transport for Greater Manchester to run a three-month trial of the night tram on the Eccles via Media City to Ashton-under-Lyne services, and to monitor its success. It will also ask Salford city mayor Paul Dennett to write to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham for their support.
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