Metrolink: Manchester city centre stop gets given festive renaming with a visit from Santa Claus

Shudehill stop in Manchester city centre will go by the name ‘Sleighill’ for November and December in the run up to Christmas. Commuters may have noticed a golden Santa Claus at the stop as the name was transformed.

The season brings millions of visitors to Greater Manchester every year and Transport for Greater Manchester is encouraging people to use the Bee Network to get around. Metrolink services and bus routes will be busier as people head around town for festive events.

They also reminded passengers that The V1 and 36 bus services - connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford - now operate 24 hours a day. This means any late night Christmas parties won’t ned to be left early to catch the last bus or tram.

Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director at TfGM, said: “We’re getting into the festive spirit at TfGM and I am so pleased Santa has been able to take some time out of his busy schedule in the run up to December 25th to say ‘yell-ho-ho-ho’ to our passengers out on the network.

“It’s a busy time of year with millions of people making the most of the Christmas markets and other events across the city-region. The Bee Network has a range of family tickets available across bus and tram travel that offer great value for money, making public transport the easiest and most affordable way to get around this Christmas.

“We are keen for Santa to meet and greet as many of our customers as he can, so please do share your festive Bee Network photos and Santa selfies with us on social media.”

People are being encouraged to share their Santa selfies and tag @BeeNetworkgm on Instagram or @BeeNetwork on X using the hashtag #ChristmasBeeNetwork