TRANSPORT bosses are trying to get £3 million of Government cash to upgrade Metrolink's "Cinderella" stations.

Tram passengers have been promised action following a summit meeting this week when local MP Ivan Lewis handed over his personal dossier into the "dirty, smelly and unacceptable" platforms.

It is understood that the region's councillors will be presented with a report in three weeks proposing improvements to stations, with the possibility of outside cash to pay for it.

Mr Lewis, MP for Bury South, had a meeting on Monday afternoon (Feb 21) with Mr Geoff Inskip, deputy director general of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Mr Lewis said that the state of Metrolink stations, for which the GMPTE is responsible, was "unacceptable".

He highlights poor lighting, dirty and scruffy appearance of stations, bad drainage, graffiti, litter and a foul odour, and general disused appearance. In general, he concluded: "If the aim is to get people off the roads and onto the trams, then the system has to be easy and pleasurable to use, ticket purchasing should be quick and efficient, and the stations should not be eyesores but something the local community is proud of."

Following Monday's meeting, Mr Inskip said: "While Metrolink is a system widely praised, we have unfortunately seen an increasing number of passenger complaints recently.

"Passengers have come to expect a very high standard of service from Metrolink and our concern is that these high standards are not being maintained."

He added: "We have approached Altram, the consortium responsible for operating the system, and asked that they provide us with a programme of remedial action."

Mr Lewis, meanwhile, described Monday's meeting as "very constructive". He said he was a great fan of the service, but the problems could not be solved overnight.

"The PTE have promised to come forward with proposals in conjunction with Altram and Serco. I will be keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure they deliver."

A GMPTE spokeswoman said that while the executive was responsible for the "bricks and mortar" at stations, the contractors were required to maintain them to the standard laid down in the contract.

She said that a report on the stations, and possible upgrading, will be presented to councillors on the GM Passenger Transport Authority on March 17. Officials were in talks with the Government over a £3 million improvement plan, with money perhaps raised through the Private Finance Initiative.

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