Metrolink’s big weekend

Metrolink is getting ready for its busiest ever weekend, with around 150,000 people expected to attend events across the tram network on 8 and 9 June.

The annual 2-day Parklife festival will take place at Heaton Park, and Rod Stewart plays the Manchester Arena on both days. On Saturday, Albert Square hosts the Grillstock BBQ and Music festival and Bon Jovi play the Eithad.

To cope with the extra number of passengers expected, Metrolink has made some changes to regular services which include more double and special event trams. All passengers are advised to check before travelling and allow plenty of time for journeys.

Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “Manchester is a vibrant city and it’s great to see so much going on. It goes without saying that the tram network – along with city centre bus and rail services – will be extremely busy.

“We’re putting on plenty of extra trams and will have dozens of staff at key stops on the network to help passengers.

“We want all our customers to have a good journey and a great weekend. Make sure you plan ahead and allow plenty of time – and check our website www.metrolink.co.uk for more information.”

Festivalgoers attending Parklife are advised that the Heaton Park stop will be closed from 8pm onwards on Saturday 8 and 9 June due to limited crowd management facilities. After the event, passengers will be directed to the Bowker Vale Metrolink stop which is a short walk away.

A special Parklife Express shuttle bus service will drop off and pick up right inside the festival site. Direct buses will run from Owens Park in Fallowfield and Miller Street, Manchester. Buy tickets in advance from www.parklife.uk.com

Festivalgoers attending Parklife on both days can purchase weekend saver tickets from ticket machines on Metrolink stops.

Visit www.metrolink.co.uk or call Metrolink customer services on 0161 205 2000 for more information.

ENDS

Media contact: Becky Marr on 0161 244 1055 or email mediarelations@tfgm.com

Notes to Editors

1. Transport for Greater Manchester is an executive body of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

2. The Transport for Greater Manchester Committee is a Joint Committee of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the ten district authorities of Greater Manchester, and advises on transport policy.

3. Transport policies that affect the ten districts of Greater Manchester are set by the Combined Authority.

4. To find out more about Transport for Greater Manchester’s recent work, please see our Annual Report at www.tfgm.com/annualreport.