TfGM introduce special measures to help people ahead of Black Friday in Manchester
People are being encouraged to plan their journeys as Manchester city centre gears up for a bumper Black Friday weekend.
With the festive countdown now well under way, shoppers will be eager to grab a bargain on Black Friday (28) and this Saturday (29) is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year – seeing the highest footfall in the city centre last year.
As well as people heading to the city centre to shop and enjoy the markets this Saturday, Manchester City host Leeds in a 3pm kick off while Bad Omens and Sonny Fodera play Co-op Live on Friday and Saturday night respectively. Popular indie band Wolf Alice are also set to turn in a Black Friday performance at the AO Arena.
Measures to help people get around this week include
- Free park and ride locations: Together providing 1,000 spaces, the new park and rides are open every Saturday and Sunday until 21 December.
People can park for free and jump on a dedicated direct express bus into the city centre, with services at least every 20 minutes from 9am to 8pm. The buses will be £2 for a single or £4 for a return for adults and free for under 16s. The park and rides will be located at Booth Street West*, Central Park, Belle Vue and Irwell Place.
- Later trams and all-night buses: The Bee Network is also the best way to get home from your festive nights out, trams will run until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and many buses run late into the night and some all night long. Extra double trams will also be running at busy times.
- Collaboration behind the scenes: On the busiest days, staff from GMP and the City Council will be in TfGM’s Control Centre to allow for even better collaboration. CCTV coverage of the city centre is being enhanced with dedicated staff to monitor it 24/7.
- Changes at key city centre locations: Manchester City Council is also taking steps to keep the city moving. This includes temporary weekend parking restrictions on Swan Street and Liverpool Street, weekend closures inbound on Corporation Street to reduce congestion around Shudehill, and a no right turn from the Arndale car park to ease congestion on Withy Grove.
- Dedicated match day shuttle buses operate across Greater Manchester for all first team Manchester City fixtures, check to see if one travels near you.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, said: “The countdown to Christmas is now in full swing and Black Friday weekend is always sure to be one of the busiest times of the year for the city centre.
“Whether you’re travelling in to shop for presents, explore the Christmas markets, head to the Etihad or catch a gig, public transport will be the best way to get around, save money and avoid getting stuck in traffic. We’re providing 1,000 additional parking spaces with our pop-up park and rides, putting on late night services and running as many buses and trams as we possibly can.
“We want to help people enjoy everything the season has to offer, so please remember to plan your journeys and leave yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. To keep up to date with the latest travel advice and information, check the Bee Network app or website – or follow us on social media.”