Intu Trafford Centre Metrolink is one of 6 new stops on the Trafford Park line on the Manchester Metrolink, it is the terminus of the line meaning both platforms are used for both directions, this pretty much means there should always be one tram in even if there is a wait to depart, which can be useful on a rainy or cold day as you can wait on the tram rather on the station's seating. The Trafford Park Line currently runs between Cornbrook and intu Trafford Centre, turning off at Pomona (following the same route as an Eccles / Media City-bound train), it is going to be extended towards Bury in the opposite direction to allow trams from all points in the city centre, currently, you would have to change at Cornbrook which is down to the line opening a lot earlier than expected and the new trams not being ready yet, basically to off-set demand on the network. The frequency of trams at the moment is every 12 minutes in both directions. It takes around 18 minutes from here to Cornbrook.
Obviously, I am delighted and excited the extension has launched, early nonetheless but this station is probably the biggest disappointment on the line, mainly down to its' location within the Trafford Centre. It involves walking through a busy car park and possibly up a staircase or steep car park gradient, which is pretty dangerous to get into the main mall - this surely needs looking at perhaps with lifts. Barton Dock Road which is two minutes away, and the station you'd get to before when coming from the city centre means you don't have to go through this car park so might be better especially if you struggle with steps (the station like all Metrolink stops is step-free however so don't worry about that!)
I do like how with it being the terminus of the line, there is most likely always going to be a tram in meaning you don't have to wait outside.
All ticket/card readers were working, which isn't the same for other stations along the line.
3* - Pretty standard Metrolink stop but more needs to be done for ease of access into the intu Trafford Centre, after all the purpose of the station is to serve the shopping centre it is named after, perhaps a terminus with a bridge link similar to Meadowhall in Sheffield would have been a better idea. read more