You've made the point yourself. Metrolink is a council run system - it's only right that the council tax payers should demand a 100% service or as near as possible.

I must travel on buses 2000 times a year & I've never seen one broken down at the side of the road while the bus company tell us our tickets are valid on a tram.

And if a train brakes down or is late, a commuter with a season ticket is entitled to a percentage refund as are people who have bought tickets for a specific train.