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Temporary systems failure on Metrolink

Posted: 17 May 2017 | Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

Due to a major technical failure with Metrolink’s communications systems all tram services were suspended on 14 May.

Go ahead given for Trafford Park Metrolink line in Manchester

Metrolink in Manchester

Due to a major technical failure with Metrolink’s communications systems all tram services were suspended on 14 May.

Metrolink systems failure

Replacement bus services were put in place across the network when the fault occurred and heavy rail services were accepting tickets on the Airport line, East Manchester line and from Rochdale.

 Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “I’d like to apologise for the disruption to the network and the impact it has had on our customers. There was a technical systems failure which has affected communications between the control room and trams out on the network.

The issue was believed to have been caused by a component attached to the Metrolink control network sending out spurious communications, which resulted in the safety system correctly shutting down.

Metrolink runs a closed IT network with high levels of security and there is no indication of any form of hacking or cyber attack which would also result in shutting down the system.

All services returned to normal on 15 May.