Transport bosses will extend a trial to summer 2016 to allow free overnight parking for tram customers at Ladywell Metrolink stop.
Park & Ride restrictions were relaxed in the run up to Christmas in a bid to boost access to shopping in Eccles and major sporting and music events in Manchester city centre.
Since 2012 drivers faced parking tickets up to £100 if they left their cars overnight at one of Metrolink’s 22 free car parks.
But a trial started in December 2015 to offer the service on Friday and Saturday nights.
Ladywell’s 250-space car park, off Eccles New Road, also has 22 disabled spaces for Blue Badge holders.
A Metrolink survey found it had been used enough throughout the trial to merit an extension.
Occupancy levels were highest in Prestwich, at over 27% of capacity, while Ladywell fell to less than 5% after the busy Christmas period.
But Transport for Greater Manchester believe people able to leave vehicles in car parks overnight provide benefits to daytrippers and commuters alike.
The trial was meant to end this month but has now been extended to 30 July 2016.
Metrolink Director Peter Cushing said: “Metrolink has tripled in size in recent years and opened up many more travel opportunities for both shift workers and people planning a late night out out at venues right across the region.
“People want to travel by tram and, if parking overnight at weekends can significantly benefit our customers, the environment and the local economy, it’s something we’ll seriously investigate.”
The results of the trial will be collated into an ongoing report called Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040.
Main image by Fred Collins via Flickr
