TfGM warns of busy week for the transport network

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is forecasting a busy transport network between 23 November and 1 December and are encouraging everyone making a journey to plan ahead.

Following the start of the Christmas markets and festive season, the network is already seeing an increase in journeys into the regional centre. This, combined with a number of major events, will see journeys impacted across the transport network.

On Saturday 23 November, Manchester City face Spurs at the Etihad from 5.30pm while nearby, at the Co-op Live, Hits Radio Live takes place with doors opening at 6pm.

Then, on Tuesday 26 November, Manchester City face Dutch side Feyenoord from 8pm and metal band Sleep Token perform at the Co-op Live with doors opening at 6.30pm. In addition, around 3,000 Feyenoord fans are expected to walk to the Etihad from Shambles Square, which will affect journeys on Great Ancoats Street from around 5pm.

For both the Saturday and Tuesday, 70,000 eventgoers are set to travel to the Etihad Campus – putting increased pressure on the trams, buses and the highway network. In addition to increased journey times, there will be no parking at the Co-op Live for either event and a strict resident parking scheme exists around the local area.

On Thursday 28 November, Manchester United will take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford (kick-off 8pm). More than 6,000 away fans will attend the fixture, with many taking part in the organised fan walk pre-match. Fans will meet in Shambles Square before walking down Deansgate and Chester Road to the ground. This will affect traffic around the city centre from 5pm and will see disruption on the highway, particularly the ring road, Mancunian Way and those used by the fans.

The Black Friday weekend, 29 November to 1 December, will then see shoppers out in force to grab a bargain as well as more events at the city’s major venues. Peter Kay returns to the AO Arena for sell out shows on Friday and Saturday nights and Micky Flannagan and The Script come to the Co-op Live. Over this weekend, TfGM anticipates a very busy City Centre, with congestion likely around the Christmas Markets, event venues, shopping centres and car parks.

On the Sunday, Manchester United take on Everton at home with a 1.30pm kick off, while Manchester City play at Anfield against Liverpool at 4pm. This will see increased traffic on the motorway between Liverpool and Manchester, busier rail services between the two cities, and congestion on routes in and around Old Trafford.

People are being urged to travel at quieter times where possible and leave plenty of time for their journeys to ensure they make it. Music fans are strongly advised against driving as there will be no parking at the venue and the surrounding area has a strictly enforced residents’ parking scheme.? 

Those making their way home or elsewhere should re-route their journeys away from the area, consider leaving earlier to avoid the traffic or work from home on the day if it is an option for them.?? 

Tram travel will be the best option for most City fans and concertgoers. Another good option is to consider walking to the venue from the city centre. There is a well-lit, stewarded route which takes around 25 minutes from Piccadilly.??

Manchester City supporters can also advantage of the club’s Matchday Bus Network, which operates 15 routes across Greater Manchester and beyond, covering 64 stops. Several commercial bus services that stop within walking distance of the Etihad Campus.

For those who must drive, it is best to use a Park and Ride site?or?city centre car park?and then travel to the venue by tram to avoid driving to the area.??

Maggie Carter, Head of Network Development at TfGM, said:

“The run-up to Christmas is always a busy time in the city centre and the coming week will be exceptionally busy with thousands of football fans expected for big games at the Etihad and Old Trafford and music fans heading to Co-op Live. 

“Whether you are going to the match, heading to a concert or travelling elsewhere we recommend getting on board public transport, planning your journey so you have plenty of time and avoiding the busiest times to travel.??? 

“The walking route from the city centre is a great option, making getting to the Etihad as easy as possible. 

“Finally, I would strongly encourage fans to plan ahead and use the Bee Network app and website to keep up to date with the latest travel alerts.”?? 

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, GMP Gold Commander for the fixtures said:

“As we head into the busy festive period, during the upcoming week we have two large-scale policing operations with European fixtures due to be played at both Manchester City and Manchester United on the Tuesday and Thursday night respectively, where we expect a large contingent of fans to visit the city centre, especially around Shambles Square, the Printworks and Exchange Square.  

“As always, we will be on hand with comprehensive policing operations in place, including the deployment of additional specialist officers.  

“We will be working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council to minimise disruption to members of the public and people using the transport network as groups of fans migrate across the City Centre and surrounding areas to get to the fixtures.  

“As a partnership, have a strong track record of managing high-profile and large-scale events and your continued co-operation, understanding and support is always appreciated as we look to ensure everyone’s safety. 

“If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to our officers on patrol and in any instances please contact us direct on 101 or in an emergency always dial 999.” 

Further details can be found on the Bee Network website.??