Tram strikes to take place for the Manchester Marathon

People are being encouraged to plan their travel this weekend, with industrial action expected to severely impact Metrolink services on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of runners and spectators are also expected as the region once again hosts the Manchester Marathon, which will also significantly impact journeys on the region’s roads and public transport networks.

KeolisAmey Metrolink – the tram operator – is aiming to run a limited service on Sunday, subject to driver availability, that will prioritise race participants and spectators heading to the Manchester Marathon. Trams will be much busier than normal as people head to the event. You may need to queue before you board a service, so please allow extra time for your journey.

To help people get around, 22 shuttle buses will be running from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens and Peel Park and Ride at Event City. Both will operate on average every ten minutes between approximately 6am to 6pm to Trafford Wharf Road, providing good accessibility to the Event Village.

Metrolink services will also be operating a reduced service on Saturday to enable emergency engineering works to take place near to the Deansgate-Castlefield stop.

Dedicated travel information pages, containing full information about the services, are available on the TfGM website.

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “If you are heading out, on public transport or in the car, please plan ahead and allow extra time. Roads and services will be busier, particularly in Trafford, Salford and Manchester city centre, and delays are expected.

“We’re working closely with organisers and operators to help keep people moving, but whether going to an event or not, the main thing people can do to ensure their journey is as smooth as possible, is to check and plan in advance.

“We’ll have lots of customer information available on our website and across our social media channels to help people make informed journey choices and encourage you to think carefully before making any journeys this weekend, and to cycle or walk where possible, especially for shorter trips. “

Unite has announced industrial action is due to take place on 10, 15, 18 and 24 October, after a minimum five per cent, two-year pay award was rejected by union-member drivers.

For travel updates, please head to tfgm.com or follow @MCRMetrolink and @OfficialTfGM for the latest information and advice on how to make your journey.