Early shift

I arrive at the depot early to start my shift at 5:00am. I sign on with the Crew Supervisor and collect my duty card. I am given my vehicle to prepare and complete all the required pre-shift checks before I begin driving. I make sure everything is neat and tidy before I welcome my first passengers. I’m on the Victoria to St Werburgh’s Road route this morning. I love travelling up and down enjoying the sights and sounds of Greater Manchester waking up. It is my responsibility to get the people of Manchester to work on time. I like to think I am contributing, in part, to keeping Greater Manchester’s wheels of industry and commerce moving!

Middle shift

With the rush hour over, I move into the mid-morning period, serving a different sector of Greater Manchester’s society. There is such a variety of passengers. Some are visiting our great museums, shopping destinations and football or cricket grounds, and there are also people using Manchester as a stepping stone for further transport links to other cities. I serve visitors from around the world who visit Manchester for its culture and heritage, its sporting and academic traditions, and also its links to the past and its great history as the birthplace of the industrial revolution.

Afternoon / early evening

It’s now the peak rush hour, when most people have been to work and are using our Metrolink service as a quick and efficient way to return home. It’s my responsibility as a driver to give the public as safe, smooth and hassle-free a journey as possible.

On occasions, however, there are times when events affect the service and I have to be proactive in keeping my passengers informed. I am notified by the Controller that there is an incident on the line ahead and that the service has been suspended temporarily. I am asked to stop at the next station and wait for further instruction. I keep my passengers informed by making public address announcements. Back on the move, I complete my journey to Bury.

Late Evening

I head back into the city centre and upon arrival at St Peter’s Square a couple approach my window. They are trying to get to the Lowry shopping outlet at Salford Quays. I explain that they need a MediaCityUK service and both seem happy having been pointed in the right direction.

It’s another busy night in the city centre. For some, it’s a night out, to others it’s a special occasion, whether it be cinema, theatre, concert, a restaurant – the options for nightlife in Manchester know no bounds and it is our job to take away the transport worries and to help them have a safe and successful night to remember.