Operating since 1992, Manchester's Metrolink is a fast growing light rail network and is now the largest tramway network in the UK [1]. Since 2014 it has been operating exclusively the M5000 tram [2], part of Bombardier's Flexity Swift family. Croydon Tramlink also operates the CR4000 in the Flexity Swift family.
3094 prepares for the off
The first M5000s were ordered in 2007 with a service entry at the end of 2009. Further orders followed which allowed for the replacement of the original T-68 tram and for expansion of the Metrolink service. Now there are one hundred and twenty in service with a further twenty seven ordered in 2018, for delivery in the early 2020s, to allow for an increase in service frequency and a gradually expanding network.
Information
Number built:
120 (+27 on order)
Built:
2009-
Builder:
Bombardier, Vossloh Kiepe
Motor:
4 Vossloh Kiepe 3-phase asynchronous traction motors (750v DC OHLE)
Power:
480 hp (644 kW)
The M5000s are articulated units based on the K5000 trams used in Bonn and Cologne. They have either fifty two or sixty seats depending on the batch, with standing they can hold nearly one hundred and fifty passengers. They operate on their own or as pairs. They are able to operate in longer formations than pairs but this causes problems with platform lengths and signalling so is only done in the event of a breakdown.
The first sixty M5000s are fitted with automatic stop equipment and can be used anywhere on the network, the second batch of sixty does not have this equipment and are restricted as to the routes they can operate on [3].
All aboard
Front on view of 3114
3094 at Deansgate Chesterfield stop
3054 in the city centre
3010 and friend connected
[1] Robin Prichard & Alan Yearsley, UK Metro & Light Rail Systems (Platform 5, 2019) p. 120 [2] Colin J. Marsden (ed.), Light Rail (Key Publishing, 2018) p. 41 [3] Prichard & Yearsley, p. 124
