Transport leaders have given their backing to plans to introduce overnight weekend parking for Metrolink customers at selected stops across the tram network.
The news follows a trial launched in December 2015 to offer free overnight parking on Friday and Saturday nights at 15 Metrolink stops, with a pick up time of 12noon the following day.
Today’s meeting of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee heard that the pilot scheme has been a success, with no capacity issues affecting regular daytime commuters.
A survey undertaken during the trial found eighty-five per cent in favour of the scheme.
TfGM will now develop a permanent scheme to offer more than 2,500 overnight parking spaces for Friday and Saturday nights – 77% of parking spots available at all 22 Metrolink car parks.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGMC Committee, said: “This is great news for Metrolink customers and the local economy. Offering overnight weekend parking will help to boost the night-time economy by opening up many more travel opportunities for both shift workers and people planning a late night out at venues right across the region.
“I look forward to the development a permanent scheme, which will, of course, be regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of Metrolink customers and the wider region’s transport offer.”
TfGM Metrolink Director, Peter Cushing, added: “The Metrolink network has undergone rapid expansion, tripling in size to 93 stops and with so many thriving areas easy to reach, we know our customers have appreciated being able to catch the tram without having to worry about leaving their car behind.
“From a practical point of view, the scheme has been a success, and clearly has our customers’ backing, with the majority of people surveyed in favour of the scheme.”
Overnight parking during the week will not be introduced, as major events such as concerts and football matches would affect Metrolink commuters the following day.
The overnight parking scheme will cover the 15 Metrolink Park and Ride trial sites at Brooklands (108), Stretford (33), Navigation Road (81), Bury (100), Crumpsall (43), Prestwich (36), Radcliffe (369), Whitefield (216), East Didsbury (302), Ladywell (250), Hollinwood (190), Oldham Mumps (270), Rochdale Rail Station (217), Derker (251) and Shaw and Crompton (90) stops.
Not all Metrolink stops can be included in the overnight parking scheme due to limited space and land agreements.
Any permanent scheme is expected to come into effect at the end of the current trial, on 31 July 2016.
