London Banter - View Single Post

Cheeky · August 20th 05, 01:02 PM posted to uk.transport.london

On Fri, 19 Aug 2005 06:32:42 GMT, (Neil
Williams) wrote:

GMPTE's little baby, quite possibly because of the lack of operating
subsidy.

And the obsession of local politicians with trams (and things on rails
in general).

Is it just me or have GMPTE totally lost the plot? Was looking at LTT
the other day and it seems that, in their infinite wisdom, they've
decided to can the direct metrolink line from Chorlton, via Withington
Hospital to the Airport and have retained the tortuous route via
Wythenshawe (all on-street therefore slow). So to get to the airport
you'll have to travel three sides of a square through dodgeville....

This strikes me as sensible, because the Airport is already very well
served by heavy rail, and anyone with any sense will use that, and not
a tram, from the city centre.

True, but the hospital is not that well served by PT and their
transport strategy is based, in part, on being able to get people in
by tram. They're certainly not happy bunnies about their bit being
ditched. Also, although the Airport is well connect with rail that bit
of South Manc isn't.

The only concern with Wythenshawe is that, because of the nature of
some of its inhabitants, travelling by tram there may become quite
dangerous. I can see conductors in pairs, or at the very least
security guards, being necessary at times.

Indeed. When I still used to be able to get a direct bus from where I
used to live to the airport brickings were fairly common occurrences.
Then stagecoach thought it'd be a good idea to redirect the service
and recommended passengers changed at Wythenshawe bus station. Great
idea. Unfortunately the PTE persist with the fatuous argument that a
tram line will regenerate the place. It'll end up another white
elephant like the Eccles extension if they persist with it like this,
I fear.

As regards bus operations, GMPTE have never *had* the plot.

Sadly all too true.