Well-rehearsed travel plans in place for the Parklife weekend festival

Up to 75,000 fans are expected to attend the festival on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.

In partnership with the event organisers, TfGM have once again made available an advance purchase ticket for travel to and from the event.

The Parklife Travel Pass allows travel by both Metrolink and a dedicated Parklife Express shuttle bus service for just £5 a day or £10 for the entire weekend.

Travel Passes are on sale now at www.parklife.uk.com/travel-pass and customers are advised to buy in advance to speed up their journey and as prices will increase on the day of the event. As successfully operated previously, Metrolink will also run an extended service on the Bury line to help get customers to and from the event.

Large numbers of festival goers are expected to use the tram network and to facilitate a safe and quick exit after the concert the Heaton Park stop will close from 9pm and customers will instead be directed to nearby Bowker Vale. Customers can keep up-to-date by visiting www.metrolink.co.uk for more information.

Travel information and advice is now available here.

John Fryer, TfGM’s Transport and Event Planning Lead said: “The return of Parklife to Heaton Park marks the third busy weekend in a row for Greater Manchester.  Like the previous two, we have put a number of transport plans in place to help keep Manchester moving.

“We have successfully provided transport for Parklife for a number of years and we want everyone going to the event to have a fantastic time, but to also remind them to plan ahead, allow extra time and consider public transport options.

“They’ll be extra trams and buses operating throughout the weekend and we will have lots of staff available to help and assist customers.

“In light of recent tragic events we are also asking all customers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police or transport staff. Our transport plans have been developed in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police and other partners.”

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.

Mayor makes pledge for Greater Manchester Clean Air Day

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has pledged to do his bit to tackle air pollution for the first Greater Manchester Clean Air Day, taking place on Thursday 15 June.

The Mayor has promised to leave the car at home and take public transport to work at least once a week, and is calling for people across the region to join him by making their own Clean Air Day pledge to help protect and improve residents’ health.

Greater Manchester Clean Air Day aims to raise awareness of air pollution as one of the region’s most important challenges and encourages everyone to pledge to make simple changes in their everyday life which can improve air quality.

Both short and long-term exposure to air pollutants can affect people’s health, with poor air quality contributing to respiratory illness, heart disease and some cancers.

It is estimated that up to 2,000 people die prematurely in Greater Manchester each year due to air pollution.

Greater Manchester road transport, particularly diesel vehicles, accounts for 65 per cent of nitrogen oxide and 79 per cent of particulate (dust and soot) emissions – the most serious pollutants – and data shows that the region has been in breach of its legal limits for nitrogen dioxide in every year since 2011.

While air quality is improving, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and local councils are busy implementing the policies and measures in Greater Manchester’s Low Emission Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan, much more can still be done by residents and businesses to address air pollution in the region.

TfGM is working with schools, businesses, local authorities and the NHS across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of air quality as an issue and offer practical advice and help on how to take action.

On Clean Air Day itself, public events are taking place in Manchester city centre and at intu Trafford Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital.

Mayor Andy Burnham has recorded a YouTube video message making his Clean Air Day pledge. He said: “We all need to do something to clean up our air.

“In parts of Greater Manchester, children walking to school are breathing in air that’s harming their health and thousands of hospital admissions every year are caused by poor air quality.

“My job takes me all over Greater Manchester and I aim to walk and take public transport where I can. At least one day a week, I’ve pledged to use public transport to get to my office in central Manchester and I hope as many people as possible will make a pledge too.

“If we all take action together, we can clean up the air we breathe and make Greater Manchester a healthier and better place in which to live.”

To join the Mayor and make a Clean Air Day pledge, visit www.tfgm.com/pledge.

For further information on Greater Manchester Clean Air Day, see www.tfgm.com/clean-air-day.

Celebration for sustainable and inspirational companies

Businesses have been celebrated for inspiring thousands of people across Greater Manchester to opt for cheaper, healthier and eco-friendly journeys to work.

Fifteen companies have picked up awards from Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) Travel Choices team for encouraging employees to walk, cycle, car share or take public transport.

The Travel Choices team was setup four years ago to help organisations promote sustainable travel, aiming to benefit businesses and reduce the negative environmental impact of employee commutes and general business travel. There are now 600 businesses signed up to its free service.

Companies and organisations who won awards at the event, which was attended by around 40 businesses, included intu Trafford Centre, HOME, Fujitsu, Poundland and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

TfGM Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Fender, said: “Four years ago, when we launched, we didn't know for certain how successful the Travel Choices service would be.

“Thanks to the enthusiasm of companies across the region and our great team here at TfGM, we now have hundreds of members signed-up to our network, making a real difference to the environment and the efficiency of their businesses and Greater Manchester as a whole.”

Debbie Bell, Buildings Manager at HOME, which reduced staff car journeys by 10% with a pool bike scheme, said: “HOME is proud to have received the Travel Choices gold award. Through collaboration with the TfGM Travel Choices team and our staff, we have been able to offer more sustainable travel options, improving staff wellbeing and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Andrew Douglas, Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator for intu Trafford Centre, which reduced staff car journeys by 12% and installed electric vehicle charging points and a dedicated public transport guide, said: “We are delighted to have been accredited with the Travel Choices gold award.

“The future addition of the Metrolink line to the intu Trafford Centre will deliver a further step change in sustainable travel access to the centre, and we are looking forward to continuing to work together with our partners at TfGM to make sustainable travel options a mode of choice.”

TfGM’s Travel Choices team can help businesses encourage staff to travel sustainably with a free service, which includes workshops, bike loans, newsletters, grants to build infrastructure such as cycle sheds, lockers and showers, and online resources.

Sustainable travel can help companies save money, attract and retain employees, freeup parking space or resolve parking issues, make them more resilient to problems on the travel network and produce a healthier, more productive workforce.

To find out more and signup to the network, go to www.tfgm.com/businesstravel.

Transport plans in place to support One Love Manchester tribute concert

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.

A dedicated travel advice page has been developed to help people plan their journeys.

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.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM 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 to and from the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground from anywhere on the tram network, 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 catch 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.

Metrolink offers its support to One Love Manchester

Metrolink has announced it will offer its support to One Love Manchester by providing free travel to and from the fundraising concert.

Fans attending the concert on 4 June are asked to show their event ticket to Metrolink staff in order to claim free travel between the city centre and the venue.

The concert will be held at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground and all proceeds from the show will go to the 'We Love Manchester Emergency Fund', for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “This a wonderful gesture from Metrolink and I'm sure it will add to what will be a moving but memorable event for everyone attending on Sunday. This is in keeping with the spirit of generosity that has been building in our city over recent days.

“This is also an appropriate opportunity for me to thank the Metrolink staff who helped on the night and all the transport staff who have played their role in helping the city recover, including all those at Victoria Station.

“This gesture and the regard it shows for people is another example of this great city's values shining through.”

50,000 people are expected to head to the show. Metrolink services and stops will be extremely busy throughout the day and passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

The nearest Metrolink stops are at Old Trafford and Trafford Bar (on the Altrincham and East Didsbury line services).

As much capacity as possible will be provided on the Metrolink network throughout Sunday and additional staff will be available to help and assist customers.

For more information on Metrolink services visit www.metrolink.co.uk, call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 or follow @MCRMetrolink for live travel updates.

Notification of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) and bus service changes from 19 June

Dear Recipient,

We recently wrote to you regarding the upcoming construction works to build the six stop Trafford Park Metrolink Extension between Pomona and intu Trafford Centre. This route will offer fast, frequent connections to jobs, leisure, shopping and cultural destinations and across the wider Metrolink network.

In the last letter we informed you that in order to facilitate the construction work there would be major, temporary changes affecting traffic along the route. They are being introduced in three main phases, the first of which started 8th May and the second is currently in place.

As part of the enabling works for the third phase we are constructing a new signalised junction at Waterside/Wharfside Way. Which will provide another route through from Trafford Wharf Road onto Wharfside Way. To complete these works, there will be overnight closures of Wharfside Way from John Gilbert Way to Sir Alex Ferguson Way starting Thursday 7 June for approximately 2 weeks. The works will be undertaken between 2000hrs and 0600hrs. Additionally, there will also be waiting restrictions introduced on Waterside to ensure the new link road does not get obstructed by parked vehicles.  The waiting restrictions are initially subject to a temporary order but will remain in force until the permanent ones provided for in the Transport and Works Act Order come into force. Attached is a Notice of intent for the introduction of these TTROs.

Following the completion of these works the third phase of new traffic management will be implemented from Monday 19 June. The closures and changes to the local highways and footways from this date are as follows:

- Temporary “one-way” on Trafford Wharf Road eastbound from Warren Bruce Road to Sir Alex Ferguson Way

- Temporary “one-way” on Village Way eastbound from Parkway Circle to Village Circle

- From Village Way in a southerly direction for 50 metres Second Avenue, Third Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Central Park Trading Estate Access Road (Mosley Road) and Praed Road will be closed *

- From Trafford Wharf Road in a southerly direction for 50 meters Warren Bruce Road, Elevator Road and Waterside will be closed *

* It is anticipated, that wherever possible, at least one of the roads listed above will remain open when others are temporarilly closed to facilitate local access. Local traffic diversion signing will be placed on site and maintained to identify these routes and stakeholders will be updated in advance of any temporary closures being implemented

Many of the temporary changes will remain in place for approximately three years.

Further information

As a result of the one way on Village Way and Trafford Wharf Road there will be changes to existing bus routes in Trafford Park.

The changes are highlighted on the map which can be accessed by clicking here.

Yours faithfully,

Steve Burns
Metrolink Stakeholder and Communications Manager, Metrolink Projects
Transport for Greater Manchester