Why was Gary Dawson stranded at the Failsworth Metrolink stop?

Gary Dawson was stranded because both lifts at the Failsworth Metrolink platform were out of service, and no staff were available to assist him.

What is Transport for Greater Manchester doing about lift issues?

Transport for Greater Manchester has apologized and plans to install new lifts at several Metrolink stops, including Failsworth, within the next two years.

How do lift failures affect wheelchair users on the Metrolink?

Lift failures can make wheelchair users feel like second-class citizens, as they are often left stranded without accessible options or assistance.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Wheelchair User Stranded: Metrolink Lifts Out of Order

Wheelchair User Stranded: Metrolink Lifts Out of Order

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A man in a wheelchair was left stranded at a tram stop.
Both lifts at the Failsworth platform were out of service.
Transport for Greater Manchester has apologized for the incident.

Wheelchair User Stranded: Metrolink Lifts Out of Order

A man using a wheelchair expressed deep frustration and anger after being stranded at a Metrolink tram stop in Greater Manchester. Gary Dawson, 42, found himself unable to access the platform at Failsworth because both lifts were out of service, with no staff present to offer help.

As a result, Mr. Dawson was forced to take another tram to an alternative stop to continue his journey. He shared his experience, noting that such accessibility failures can make wheelchair users feel marginalized and overlooked in public transport systems.

Transport for Greater Manchester has since issued an apology for the incident. They confirmed that the Failsworth stop is among several on the network scheduled to receive new lifts within the upcoming two years, aiming to improve accessibility.