Transport Plans for Manchester's Weekend
Bosses confident plans are on track
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is confident that they have the plans and experience in place to help customers stay on track with their journeys this coming weekend as the region welcomes a number of high profile events.
Whilst public transport and the road network are all expected to be busier than normal, TfGM and partners have worked to ensure there is additional capacity across the network and detailed travel advice is available to customers.
On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June, Robbie Williams will play two sell out concerts at the 55,000 capacity Etihad stadium; while on Sunday 4 June over 100,000 spectators are expected at both the Old Trafford football and cricket grounds for the Michael Carrick Testimonial and One Love tribute concert.
The Michael Carrick testimonial will kick off at 2.30pm at Old Trafford football ground and the gates for the tribute concert are due to open at Old Trafford cricket ground at 4pm. The concert is expected to finish at around 10.30pm.
Fans attending the concert will be entitled to free tram travel to and from the venue by displaying a valid concert ticket to Metrolink staff.
Roads, the M60 and M602 motorways and public transport are expected to be very busy and people are being encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
There will be limited parking at the football ground and no parking at the cricket ground, so drivers are being encouraged to use one of the many free Park & Ride sites available across the region.
John Fryer, TfGM’s Transport and Event Planning Lead said: “We’re in for another busy weekend of travel across the network as the city plays host to fantastic and poignant events; so we’re reminding people to plan ahead, allow extra time and consider public transport options.
“Greater Manchester is well rehearsed in hosting major events such as those taking place this weekend and we have developed detailed and robust transport plans to keep people moving before,during and after the events.
“We are confident we have the skills,technology and experience necessary to keep customers moving.”
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “This concert is an important statement about our city’s resilience and defiance following the horrific attack at the Manchester Arena.
“We are delighted to be able to offer all attendees free Metrolink travel between Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground and the city centre and support the coming together and uniting of people from across our great city and beyond.”
Metrolink
As many trams as possible will be in operation providing fast and frequent services direct to Old Trafford and Manchester city centre and later trams will operate on some routes.
The nearest stops for Old Trafford (approx. 7 mins walk on Altrincham line) and Trafford Bar (approx. 10 mins walk on Altrincham, Manchester Airport and East Didsbury lines). The Exchange Quay (approx. 10 mins walk) or Salford Quays (approx. 12 mins walk) stops are also nearby (Eccles via MediaCityUK line). All stops are fully accessible. For a map showing walking routes to the stadium please click here.
Visit the Metrolink website at www.metrolink.co.uk for travel advice, including a network map. Follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for live travel advice, or call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000.
Bus
For football fans heading to Old Trafford, services 250, 255, 256, 263 and X50 are all within walking distance of the ground and run to and from the main Piccadilly Gardens stops. Return services depart from the same locations. Check out the TfGM Route Explorer or download a timetable at www.tfgm.com/buses.
Additional shuttle buses will be in operation throughout Sunday, providing direct connections between the city centre and the Old Trafford venues. Shuttle buses will also be in operation and to and from Event City.
Roads
Roads in Trafford and the surrounding area, including the local motorway network, will be extremely busy. Please be aware there may also be additional road closures and diversions in place
Parking at Old Trafford football ground is limited and there is no parking at Old Trafford cricket ground.Therefore, anyone travelling by car is being advised to consider using a Metrolink Park and Ride and catching a fast and frequent tram service to their destination.
Follow @HighwaysNWEST on Twitter for travel advice or visit http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/
Rail
Northern Rail will NOT be operating their normal services to MUFC Holt.
For the latest information regarding rail services, including weekend engineering works, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or follow @nationalrailenq on Twitter.
For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.