Getting around
Greater Manchester has one of the friendliest public transport networks in the country. What could be nicer than riding on a bus, train or tram where you can spend some quality time with your little one? However, if you’re daunted by taking young children on buses, trains or trams then hopefully this section provided by GMPTE will give you some reassurance beforehand that you will manage your child, buggy and all the other bits and bobs you need.
Travelling in and around Greater Manchester On weekdays we recommend that you start your journey after the morning rush hour – after 9.30am – when services are less busy and there is more space to carry a pushchair. Train and Metrolink tram tickets cost less at ‘off-peak’ times which are after 9.30am on weekdays and all day on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Children under five travel free and if you’re over 60 and taking the grandchildren on a day trip, it doesn’t get cheaper than this.
Buses
Buses are particularly handy because there’s probably a route and a stop near where you live. Modern buses are child-friendly with wide doors and space to store your buggy. If the bus is busy you might need to fold your buggy.
On newer buses, the driver can lower their bus to pavement level to let you get on and off easily. Accessible buses are shown in bus timetables with a wheelchair symbol.
When you arrive in Manchester city centre there are two main bus stations – at Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill Interchange. Buses leaving these stations connect to other towns, suburbs and countryside of Greater Manchester. There are also plenty of bus stops convenient for other parts of the city.
As well as single tickets many bus companies offer returns and day tickets that can be used on all the services run by that company – so check with the driver.
Trains
Local trains are a great way to travel with many well-located stations in Manchester and other local town centres. Trains are spacious, comfortable and most have toilets and plenty of luggage space.
There are five train stations in the centre of Manchester. Piccadilly and Victoria are main stations and Oxford Road, Deansgate and Salford Central are served by many local routes. All main stations have baby-changing facilities.
Stations vary in their design and many have ramps for your buggy. Some still have steps plus there is usually a step up onto the train. The rail map on page 90 shows the routes and the stations that have parking and step-free access.
If you don’t live near a station, many have free car parking and the price of a ticket will often be less than petrol and car parking at your destination.
If you buy a rail ticket to Manchester centre from a Greater Manchester rail station (see rail map) you can use it to travel free on Metrolink trams in Manchester city centre.
All single and return train tickets cost less at off-peak times. At off-peak times you can also buy a Rail Ranger ticket that lets you to travel anywhere in Greater Manchester. An Evening Ranger ticket allows the same travel after 6.30pm. Buy your ticket from the ticket office or from the conductor on the train if this is closed.
Tip – if you already have a rail season ticket between two Greater Manchester rail stations you can use it to travel anywhere in Greater Manchester at weekends and public holidays!
National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Metrolink Trams
(Please note there is disruption to the Metrolink Services until Autumn 2009 and some lines will be closed with replacement bus services running. Worth checking their website for current information.)
Greater Manchester’s Metrolink trams provide links between Bury, Altrincham, or Salford Quays and Eccles to Manchester city centre.
Metrolink was specially designed with easy access so there is no gap between the platform edge and the tram itself and all stops have either a ramp, lift or escalator access. The central section of the tram is an area specifically designed for wheelchairs and prams. The sign on the platform (disabled access) will tell you where to wait to board at the correct doors on the vehicle. Under 5s travel free and children over five pay half fare. A MetroMax ticket lets you make as many tram journeys as you like for a whole day and are available at any time. Buy your ticket from the ticket machine at the Metrolink stop before you make your journey.
Trams run frequently, generally during the day every six minutes on the Bury and Altrincham lines and every 12 minutes on the Eccles line, so there isn’t a timetable – simply turn up and wait for the next one.
Metrolink Customer Services 0161 205 2000 www.metrolink.co.uk
Getting Around Manchester City Centre 
Metroshuttle is the name of the free bus services running around Manchester’s city centre streets. There are three circular routes, covering all of the main city centre areas. Metroshuttle buses are low-floor, easy access with a frequency of about every five minutes on Service 1 (orange), every 10 minutes on Service 2 (green) and every 10 minutes on Service 3 (purple).
Metroshuttle links Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations and many bus and Metrolink tram stops. So whatever the reason for your visit, you can use Metroshuttle to get around, hopping on and off as often as you wish.
All three services run Mon-Sat 7am-7pm.
Services 1 and 2 run on Sundays 10am-6pm. (No service 3 on Sundays).
Your Ticket to Ride
Children under five travel free on public transport in Greater Manchester when they travel with adults. You can buy single or return tickets from the driver on buses, from ticket machines (before you board) on tram stops, or from ticket offices (or on board) for local trains.
If you are making a few trips or using a combination of buses, trains and trams then day tickets available.
Combined bus, train and tram journeysDaySaver tickets let you make as many journeys as you wish at off-peak times using a combination of buses, trains and trams. The DaySaver ticket range lets you choose which combinations of travel you want. Buy a DaySaver at the bus driver, station ticket office (or conductor on the train if closed) or tram stop ticket machine before you make your first trip.
Full details are available from www.gmpte.com, GMPTE Travelshops or by phoning Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
Finding out more from GMPTE
There are GMPTE Travelshops at all major bus stations in Greater Manchester. Travelshop staff can help you plan your journey for buses, trains and trams; and can provide free timetables, maps and other leaflets you may need. They will also give you independent advice about the best tickets available for your journey.
Information is displayed at most bus stops and tram stops, and at bus and train stations.
www.gmpte.com also has all the information you need, complete with a journey planner, maps of the area and timetables for individual services to download.
You can also phone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 where you can get information and advice about all the services available. The lines are open between 7am and 8pm weekdays and from 8am on weekends and public holidays.
