Bikes on M/cr's Metrolink - A Brief History

Currently only folding bikes can be carried on Manchester's Metrolink tram system, and these have to be completely enclosed in a cover of some kind.

1992 - Greater Manchester’s Light-Rail system ”Metrolink” replaces the heavy rail network between Altrincham and Bury.
Bicycles are banned from the carriages and platforms.

2000 - Phase ll between Manchester and Eccles comes into operation.
Bicycles are still banned from the carriages and platforms (again, no cycle parking is provided).

2002 - The GMCC produce its report on Cycle Carriage.
http://www.gmcc.org.uk/main/wp-content/uploads/MetrolinkReport_72dpi.pdf

2002 - The GMCC gets the support of Greater Manchester’s MPs for cycle carriage, forcing the GMPTE to carry out a public survey.

2002 - Result — The GMPTE survey shows that 85.6% of Metrolink passengers support cycle carriage on trams, with 58.8 supporting carriage at all times, with no restrictions.

2002 - The GMPTA “Unanimously agree in principle to allow cycle carriage on Phase III trams during non-peak hours.
http://www.gmpte.com/news.cfm?news_id=364754

2008 - The Government finally gives the go-ahead for Phase III.

2009 - The new Pahse III trams are delivered (with capacity for cycle carriage built in) and the GMITA (formerly GMPTA) confirm that they have requested the GMPTE to report back on the issue for a final decision to be made.

Next - Will Greater Manchester’s Metrolink system finally enter the 21st century, following numerous light rail systems around the world that allow cycle carriage?