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GMITA working group to consider bikes on trams
Transport leaders have today agreed to set up a cross-party working group to consider the issue of whether bikes can be carried safely on trams in Greater Manchester.
The group will report back to Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) with its findings.
Two Authority members from each of the three main parties will make up the group, which will also seek advice from tram users, cycling organisations and the ten district authorities.
GMITA also asked for a report to be brought to the Authority's Policy and Resources Committee of any other European tram systems that have similar operating characteristics to Metrolink that allow bikes to be carried.
The cost implications of enabling bikes to be carried, including the cost of modifications to old and new trams, will also be calculated as part of the review.
In addition, the report will explore, in consultation with the operator, Stagecoach Metrolink, the potential for a pilot scheme.
Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chair of GMITA, said: "We have received a lot of representations from members of cycling groups on this matter and we have now agreed to carry out a further detailed assessment of this issue.
"Whilst maintaining the safety of all passengers remains the over-riding issue, this review will help us to better understand the full implications of the situation."