The last train to Oldham Mumps ran on 3rd October 2009, since when commuters have had to rely on existing bus services to get to Manchester, albeit souped up with additional capacity. Thirty-two months later, on Wednesday this week, the first Metrolink tram operated in service on the converted railway alignment as far as a temporary station at Oldham Mumps – and 66 years since the last tram in the borough. There are seven intermediate stops on the line, at Monsall, Central Park, Newton Heath and Moston, Failsworth, Hollinwood, South Chadderton and Freehold; trams are every 12 minutes to Chorlton during the daytime; and you can win a year’s free travel by entering the TfGM prize draw.

If like me you’re desk-bound at the moment, the Manchester Evening News has a driver’s eye view of the Oldham line – though if you look closely enough, you’ll see…