First Metrolink Tram withdrawn

M5000 car 3004 passing now withdrawn T-68 tram 1011 on 24th March, with the CIS Tower in the background

The first of the Manchester Metrolink T-68 trams has been withdrawn this week, with 1011 being the first to be selected for withdrawal from the 20 year old Ansaldo Firema fleet. The T-68 trams have become increasingly unreliable of late, and further examples are expected to be withdrawn over the coming months.

1003 is the only one of the old T-68s to receive the new yellow livery, seen here in Piccadilly Gardens in March