Manchester Metrolink master thread

[jp4712]

I know a little bit of the background to this, and - trust me - it is far from simple. Anyone who thinks it can be sorted by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del on your PC is a) inexperienced in complex projects that have to handle the interface between software and hardware in real-world conditions; and b) don't have to live with the human consequences of getting safety-critical processes wrong.

In other words, if you play a train sim and two trains collide, then you restart the game. In real life, it really matters and I'd rather we have a delay than have a problem.

Paul

 

[Nym]

Samtron
bear in mind how many people at cheadle heath i have spoken to, and how many embedded systems I have worked with before, for an ESP it's not that harder project to handle... The ES Side is simple and the Server software is simple, and all that 'safety critical' means is dual redundancy in the uCs and FPGAs since they 'cannot fail' and for software to be 'fail safe', all complex programming is server side. Where heavy code isn't restrictive.

 

[185]

There was an issue where they initially installed axle counters at ground level rather than rail height and it wasnt always picking up the vehicle going over but its mostly a software issue thats holding everything up.

This issue also affects the automated depot doors at Old Traff, which work perfectly fine*

.
.
.

*....unless it's a double unit and then BANG!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

In view of the time-delay now envisaged to the operational start dates for the new Metrolink works, where this is the status quo, will TfGM ensure that the improved frequency of bus provision on the Oldham/Rochdale line that first happened on the closure of the heavy rail route, will now continue until the official line re-opening as a Metrolink route?

 

[radamfi]

In view of the time-delay now envisaged to the operational start dates for the new Metrolink works, where this is the status quo, will TfGM ensure that the improved frequency of bus provision on the Oldham/Rochdale line that first happened on the closure of the heavy rail route, will now continue until the official line re-opening as a Metrolink route?

Compared to previous Metrolink conversions, the Oldham/Rochdale line has had very limited extra buses laid on. The frequency of the 181/182 Rochdale to Manchester via Shaw service was doubled from half hourly to every 15 minutes, but this was at the expense of the 24 from Rochdale to Manchester via Thornham which had a corresponding frequency reduction. There is also a limited stop service from Milnrow to Manchester in peak hours. Almost all these services are provided commercially by First, so not much TfGM funding.

The Oldham to Manchester bus service was not enhanced at all. This is perhaps understandable given the very high frequency of buses on this route, but it was widely expected that express buses would been laid on so it was a surprise when this didn't happen.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

There are reports that at Monsall on the Oldham/Rochdale line last night, cabling was stolen and damage was caused to equipment. This is to be the stop nearest to Manchester. Has anyone any news if the power was on, as they are supposed to be running night security trams.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Matters seem to be moving on the Oldham/Rochdale line as TfGM have written to 92 affected properties in Rochdale with regard to the construction of the new Smith Street Metrolink stop with the preparation works commencing next week.

 

[martin2345uk]

The Airport line is also coming on very well, some of the stops are taking shape and 2 of them have track between the platform foundations despite the fact it's not due to open until 2016..!

 

[Nym]

The're proberbly taking into account how many times the station will be stolen and need to be put back again.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

On the Oldham/Rochdale line, the Shaw and Crompton new park and ride car park (on the site of the old car park) will see work commencing on 19th March and will be scheduled for completion in June (of this year).

 

[Samtron2000]

My man on the inside 'suggests' the Oldham line will open to Mumps on 10th April if the Irk Valley Junction commissioning goes to plan!

 

[Nym]

And on 11th April all the cables will be stolen...

 

[WestCoast]

And on 11th April all the cables will be stolen...

Aren't they more secure on Metrolink?

 

[Nym]

I've seen OHL stolen in Liverpool, no dowbt they'll try it on Metrolink, a major advantage on the new lines is lack of signalling cables compared to NR.

 

[jonesy3001]

If things go to plan with the oldham line,i wonder if worstbus will put there fares down as they might think it will be competition on the manchester-oldham routes and worst charge over £4 on the 82/83/180 and 184 to get to oldham.

 

[WatcherZero]

I've seen OHL stolen in Liverpool, no dowbt they'll try it on Metrolink, a major advantage on the new lines is lack of signalling cables compared to NR.

They do have it, its just buried in gorgonzola like concrete blocks.

 

[familyguy99]

Hi

My man on the inside 'suggests' the Oldham line will open to Mumps on 10th April if the Irk Valley Junction commissioning goes to plan!

Well I can't seeing that going to happen know

Computer glitch delays opening of Metrolink extension to Oldham - again

The long-awaited tram line between Manchester and Oldham could be delayed even longer because of problems with a computer control system.

The Victoria to Oldham Mumps line – the latest part of the ‘Big Bang’ Metrolink extension – was originally due to open last autumn.

Bosses last year put the target opening date back to this month – but now it is not clear whether it will even be open this summer.

The track and stops have been built, but the new Tram Management System (TMS), which pinpoints the location of trams and controls points and signals, has faced problems.

TMS caused major disruption during trials at MediaCity in September 2010 and separate problems also delayed the Chorlton extension.

A report late last year said ‘technical complexities’ were delaying the roll-out of TMS across the expanding network.

The first section of the Oldham line, to Central Park at Newton Heath, had been due to open in spring last year.

But Metrolink bosses said last year it would open at the same time as the section to Oldham Mumps because of the delays caused by installing TMS.

They also said they were assessing whether the Mumps section’s opening would have to be put back from the anticipated spring date.

Now a new report says: “The opening date will be subject to the progress made in resolving the technical challenges with the introduction of the Tram Management System.”

It says a delay of between three and six months is now ‘likely’ on the line beyond Oldham to Rochdale – putting that back to autumn or winter this year.

And a three-month delay on the east Manchester line to Droylsden is also ‘likely’ – which would also put it back to autumn.

But the report says a plan is being considered to run trams to City’s Etihad Stadium in advance of the full opening of the Droylsden line.

It says: “This is the subject of ongoing discussions with the contractors and the operator and is dependent on the implementation of the new TMS.”

The £1.4bn ‘Big Bang’ Metrolink expansion is due to be completed by 2016.

The Chorlton line is due to be extended to Didsbury and to Wythenshawe and the airport, and the Droylsden line will go on to Ashton-under-Lyne.

It will make Metrolink the biggest tram network in Britain.

Drivers in Oldham, meanwhile, are still facing disruption due to roadworks for the construction of the line to Rochdale.

Transport for Greater Manchester said earlier this month that Huddersfield Road was closing at Mumps for four weeks.

The roadworks are part of the scheme to convert the roundabout into a junction to make room for Metrolink’s connection to Rochdale.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereve...ning-of-metrolink-extension-to-oldham---again

Will the Oldham line opening anytime this years?

 

[Nym]

Will the Oldham line opening anytime this years?

In a word... No.

 

[Class377/5]

They are currently trialing some new TMS (Tram Management System) loops on the network. One of the issues was the originally designed loop weren't locating trams properly, so it seems they have a new direction to go in.

If the Oldham Line doesn't open it will be a shame for Manchester as they building works are done, it's the last bit that seems not to work. Oldham will open first but the line to the east may open shortly afterwards to least as far as City's stadium.

 

[185]

Another possession this weekend on the Bury line, I believe the 'holy grail' missing bit of track on Irk Valley Jn may be finally put in place, although that is perhaps a minor piece of work compared to the jobs done on the last two weekends.

 

[northernrail]

One section of track has been completed, i think its the inbound line on the viaduct, next for the outbound id imagine.

 

[Mattmatt]

This may have been asked elsewhere; but when are we going to see testing on the Ashton Line? i.e. as far the Velopark stop? as far as i'm aware it looks very much complete & along with all signalling in place too, stations all complete?

It would make sense to have the trams running as far there, as it at least it's a destination worth going to, well if you like football & shopping anyway!

just thought i'd ask
cheers

 

[Samtron2000]

This may have been asked elsewhere; but when are we going to see testing on the Ashton Line? i.e. as far the Velopark stop? as far as i'm aware it looks very much complete & along with all signalling in place too, stations all complete?

It would make sense to have the trams running as far there, as it at least it's a destination worth going to, well if you like football & shopping anyway!

just thought i'd ask
cheers

That's the issue. The signalling doesn't work!!

 

[Mattmatt]

That's the issue. The signalling doesn't work!!

Oh dear! the infamous TMS again i suppose? so has there been any testing to show that the TMS doesn't work, or do they just know it doesn't work from getting out of the box?

forgive my ineptness or knowledge on the subject.

 

[martin2345uk]

Philip Purdy said last night in a presentation in Manchester (though this was known before) that they are currently testing the TMS on the Firswood junction to the new depot. He gave the impression that this was going well... but said that at the moment their main issues with TMS/Thales were contractual rather than technical, which of course turned people's minds to the Edinburgh fiasco, so we're all really really hoping it gets resolved soon.

He did add that he was "optimistic" that the line would open to velopark before droylsden but "maybe not in time for THIS football season"...

 

[Samtron2000]

Things are hopeful Martin. However, each interface between TMS and the old signalling is unique. Just because they get firswood to work, doesn't mean that that Irk Valley or cornbrook will be so straightforward!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Philip Purdy said last night in a presentation in Manchester that he was "optimistic" that the line would open to Velopark before Droylsden but "maybe not in time for THIS football season"...

The latest news from Future Metrolink that I have is that they are now ready to commence work on the southern side of Droylsden Road from early April 2012 to the end of September 2012.

 

[martin2345uk]

Not being that familiar with the area I assume that's where the first missing track is from piccadilly towards ashton..?

 

[familyguy99]

On a bright note they have been testing trams out on Oldham line (to Mumps) on Tuesday and yesterday (Thurs) and from Future Metrolink website they believe the line could be opening this Summers to Mumps or even to Rochdale.

Picture of East Manchester line and of Oldham line

http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrolink_work/
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

This may have been asked elsewhere; but when are we going to see testing on the Ashton Line? i.e. as far the Velopark stop? as far as i'm aware it looks very much complete & along with all signalling in place too, stations all complete?

It would make sense to have the trams running as far there, as it at least it's a destination worth going to, well if you like football & shopping anyway!

just thought i'd ask
cheers

I sure they did some testing on that line to Velopark back in July last years where they use T68 trams going from Piccadilly to Velopark but they did it late at night when roads are not busy.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

On a bright note they have been testing trams out on Oldham line (to Mumps) on Tuesday and yesterday (Thurs) and from Future Metrolink website they believe the line could be opening this Summers to Mumps or even to Rochdale.

I have just looked on their website on the Oldham/Rochdale line information section and the scheduled information for Rochdale train station just refers to "2012" as a date and 2014 for the Town Centre completion.