Tram crashes surge, new data reveals
Tram crashes involving Metrolink trams and cars in Greater Manchester surged by 30% last year, with 51 collisions recorded in 2024, up from 39 in 2023. TfGM and KAM attribute most incidents to motorists not paying attention, while a tram driver anonymously claimed pressure to keep schedules may contribute. KAM denies this, stating drivers receive adequate rest breaks.
Metrolink collisions with cars jumped 30 percent last year, with 51 crashes recorded across Greater Manchester’s tram network in 2024—roughly one every week.
The spike, revealed in a freedom of information response released Tuesday, up from 39 incidents in 2023 and matches the 52 seen in 2022. During the pandemic, when services were reduced, crashes fell to 39 in 2021 and 33 in 2020.
Transport for Greater Manchester insists “safety is an absolute priority for the Bee Network” and blames driver inattention for the rise. Ian Davies, interim Metrolink network director, said: “Safety is an absolute priority for the Bee Network and we work closely with the tram operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) to minimise the risk of collisions between trams and other vehicles. In most cases, collisions that do occur are due to motorists not paying attention and that’s why we have run several safety campaigns to remind motorists to remain vigilant when driving close to the tram network, particularly where the trams and cars share road space.”
A tram driver, speaking anonymously, agreed: “We’re in the hands of other road users. I would estimate that a good 99pc of accidents are not down to tram drivers.” He added, however, that schedule pressure can erode safety margins: “There’s pressure from the control room, they’re trying to make sure everything’s running to time, because one tram being down affects other trams. Employing more drivers, so they have shorter shift times - that’s the only solution really.”
Lisa Cleminson, KAM’s service delivery director, rejected the claim, saying drivers receive mandated rest. “At KAM, the safety of our passengers, employees, and other road users is our highest priority. Our tram drivers undergo extensive training to operate safely and are provided with regular rest breaks which fully comply with rail regulator guidelines. Our rostering and scheduling teams ensure drivers always have appropriate rest periods, including scheduled breaks on every shift, to maintain high safety and performance standards.”
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