Good point @CC but I think if the govt was really suggesting this idea maybe it would have been included as part of the "northern hub" project. I really can't see metrolink working on rails sheerly because we are at capacity, as you say we are working to shift that trend but I really dont see metrolink doing anything but causing issues with that.

My view is more that we should take lines back from metrolink to trains until they can demonstrate their worth and reliability. Lines such as Alty to Mcr are very popular both train and tram so there is clearly a demand for it!