Fantasy Metrolink
23rd April, 2008
Let’s put aside disagreements about whether the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid, and congestion charging, are a good or bad thing.
One spin-off from the entire debate is a spate of Tube-style maps showing what an expanded Metrolink network might look like.
My favourite, undoubtedly, is this one. It includes a number of possible “in tunnel” extensions and shows what a true tram network for Greater Manchester might look like.
Throw in “touch and go” travel cards, a major increase in tram stock and you’d really be talking…
(I’ve reprinted the map from the original at skyscrapercity.)
Shame it is just a fantasy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
The Metrolink expansion needs to happen as a priority and shame on New Labour for using it as a blackmail tool to further their road pricing agenda and their ideologically motivated war on motorists. The TIF bid has at least made people realise that cars are a vital part of the transport toolbox, even if in Labours case as a cash cow to pay off the loan.
Birmingham are prioritising the elimination of bottlenecks in favour of free flowing of free traffic. Manchester needs to follow this course of action and reverse the negative policies of the last ten years. How else can we have had a 14% drop in traffic levels yet slower traffic speeds in the city centre?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 pm
“How else can we have had a 14% drop in traffic levels yet slower traffic speeds in the city centre?”
I have lost count of the number of times I have asked TIF supporters that very question. None of them have ever answered it.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm