Indeed, as someone who lives on the Alty line I can testify that the Metrolink service is significantly better than the old heavy rail service.
It is no surprise that passenger numbers more than doubled as soon as the line opened as Metrolink, and have continued to grow ever since.
We'll all see the benefits come 2016 when the trams reach the airport - giving those in the south of the region much improved public transport links to the airport - no need to travel into town any more to get to the airport!