Trams are usually easier for a pushchair than a bus or an older train, with level boarding and open interiors, but space on board is limited and each operator sets its own rules. This guide compares two networks, Manchester Metrolink in England and Edinburgh Trams in Scotland, using the operators’ published pages. Other tram systems have their own conditions, and a pushchair policy on one network should not be assumed to apply on another.
Manchester Metrolink (England)
Transport for Greater Manchester’s page on travelling with a pushchair on Metrolink states that all tram stops have a ramp, lift or escalator and step-free access for people with pushchairs. It also says that every tram has a space reserved for pushchairs. The advice is to keep the pushchair away from the doors so that people can get on and off easily, and a passenger who needs more time to get off can use the passenger help-point next to the wheelchair bays to tell the driver.
The Metrolink conditions of carriage add two points about equipment generally. They state that the safety and security of any luggage, pushchair or mobility scooter is the responsibility of the passenger to whom it belongs, and that the operator, KAM, will not accept liability for loss or damage unless it is caused by the negligence of people acting on its behalf. They also require passengers to ensure that any luggage, pushchair or mobility scooter does not obstruct any door, compartment or passageway, or cause inconvenience to other passengers. A pushchair left across a doorway is therefore a breach of the published conditions as well as a practical problem.
Edinburgh Trams (Scotland)
Edinburgh Trams’ conditions of carriage are more detailed. They say that space on the trams is limited and recommend that anyone travelling with a small child uses a smaller, easily foldable buggy. Buggies, including pushchairs and travel systems, that will not obstruct the aisle or doorways may be brought onto the tram unfolded. The operator’s frequently asked questions page confirms that a passenger boarding with an unfolded buggy should position it in the buggy space whenever that space is available.
Who has priority: the wheelchair space
The main difference in Edinburgh is the explicit priority rule. The conditions state that when the wheelchair space is needed by a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, passengers with unfolded buggies must move to make it available, in common with all other passengers. A passenger occupying the wheelchair space with an unfolded buggy should fold it and place it in the luggage rack so that the wheelchair or scooter user can board. As an alternative the passenger may choose to get off the tram, in which case a receipt is issued so that the journey can be completed on a following tram free of charge.
The same general point is made elsewhere in the conditions: if no wheelchair or mobility scooter user is occupying or needs the wheelchair space, other passengers including those with a buggy or bulky luggage may use it, but they must vacate it if a company official asks. This mirrors the principle explained for buses in the site’s guide to Paulley v FirstGroup, although that case concerned a bus and the tram rules are set by each operator’s own conditions.
Empty buggies and the Warrant
Edinburgh Trams’ conditions state that empty buggies must be folded and placed in the luggage rack. They also describe a Warrant available to people who cannot fold their buggy because they are disabled or because the child in the buggy is disabled. A Warrant holder who shows it to a company official will not be asked to fold the buggy. The conditions add that the Warrant does not provide any priority over other passengers when boarding.
How the two policies differ
- Reserved space: Metrolink states that every tram has a space reserved for pushchairs; Edinburgh refers to a buggy space and positions an unfolded buggy there when it is available.
- Priority: Edinburgh sets out the wheelchair-space priority rule and the fold-or-leave options in detail; the Metrolink pushchair page focuses on positioning and non-obstruction.
- Empty buggies: Edinburgh requires empty buggies to be folded and racked; the Metrolink pushchair page does not address the point.
- Liability: Metrolink’s conditions say the passenger is responsible for the safety and security of a pushchair, subject to the negligence exception.
Practical tips
A lightweight fold makes both networks easier, in line with Edinburgh’s own recommendation, and the site’s guide to pushchair weight and portability explains what to look for. Parents with a travel system should check that the chassis and seat will not extend into the aisle. Checking the operator’s current conditions before travelling is sensible, since operators can amend them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fold my pushchair on Metrolink? The TfGM pushchair page does not state a folding requirement. It asks passengers to keep the pushchair away from the doors and notes the reserved space on each tram.
What if a wheelchair user needs the space in Edinburgh? The conditions require the buggy to be moved, folded into the luggage rack, or the passenger may alight and complete the journey free on a following tram.
The bottom line
On Manchester Metrolink every tram has a reserved pushchair space and the rule is to keep doors clear. On Edinburgh Trams unfolded buggies are accepted where they do not obstruct, but they must give way to wheelchair and mobility scooter users, and empty buggies must be folded. Reading each operator’s current conditions before travel is the safest way to avoid being asked to move.