Accessibility | Sitemap | Contact Us |

News Releases

Thursday, 17 November 2005Christmas cheer for tram users as services boosted

Transport chiefs today announced a boost to festive tram services.

Metrolink will run until 12.30am on both Christmas and New Year's Eve and extra trams will be provided on the two Bank Holidays and Boxing Day to cater for shoppers and football fans.

The changes mean around 195 extra tram services will run, covering over 2,300 additional vehicle kilometres compared to the normal festive timetable.

Chair of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Roger Jones, welcomed the changes, saying: "This is good news for the travelling public. The Authority is always keen to hear passengers' views and I am pleased we have been able to respond to concerns expressed about Metrolink services finishing early last Christmas.

"I'd like to thank Serco Metrolink, the tram operator, for working with us to improve this key element of public transport in Greater Manchester at one of the busiest times of the year. As demand for later services is growing we will now look at also extending Metrolink's weekend operating hours throughout the year."

Graham Stringer, MP for Manchester Blackley, also welcomed the changes: "I received complaints from my constituents about Metrolink last Christmas and am pleased that the Authority and tram operator have acted to provide a better service for passengers this year.

"In particular, the decision not to finish early on Christmas and New Year's Eve will provide people with a safe and accessible public transport option for getting home on these busy nights. I also welcome the fact that the Authority and Serco Metrolink will now look at extending the hours of weekend night services throughout the year to cater for the ever growing numbers of visitors and workers in Manchester city centre."

Up to date information on all bus, train and tram services is available from Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Timetable information and a web-based Journey Planner can be accessed via the GMPTE website at www.gmpte.com

Press contact: Rob Pett or Becky Marr on 0161-242 6245, or by email at press.office@gmpte.gov.uk

News Archive:

< Select month > July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003 January 2003 December 2002 November 2002 October 2002 September 2002 August 2002 July 2002 June 2002 May 2002 April 2002 March 2002 February 2002 January 2002 November 2001 October 2001