The ongoing rail strikes are set to cause a headache for Christmas partygoers this evening.
Workers are continuing their 48-hour strike over pay, jobs and working conditions after talks between the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), train company employers and Rail Minister Huw Merriman failed to make a breakthrough.
Workers for the key companies running services in Greater Manchester - Northern, TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast - are among the thousands to have walked out in recent days.
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Rail timetables for the region have been crippled and the majority of services will not be running today (Saturday).
It means thousands of shoppers and partygoers will either have to cancel plans or find alternative ways to get home on what is usually the busiest weekend of the year.
Fortunately, bus services and the Metrolink are still running although some services will also be busier as a result of people seeking alternative routes.
Here’s how you can get to and from Manchester city centre this evening:
Tram
The majority of Metrolink services will be running as normal from 6am until midnight, although first and last tram times vary on each line.
Due to Network Rail industrial action, there will be no services operating between Altrincham and Timperley before 7am and after 7pm. Replacement bus services will be in operation.
More information about tram times can be found on the TfGM website.
Bus
Buses will be operating across Greater Manchester, but they are expected to be busier than normal.
Always double-check before committing to your journey.
More information on bus services and timetables can be found on the TfGM website.
Taxi
Taxis and private taxi companies like Uber and Bolt will be running as usual.
Traffic-status updates can be checked on the TfGM website.
Walking and cycling
Most areas close to the city centre are walkable and there are bike hire points across the city centre.
Bee bikes are available from multiple stations across Oxford Road, the University of Salford and at MediaCity.
Passengers can use maps on the TfGM website or Google Maps to plan walking or cycling journeys in Greater Manchester.
TfGM has also issued the following advice to those looking to travel to and from the city centre:
- For quicker journeys on all forms of transport, travel before 3pm.
- Metrolink offers fast, frequent services into the city centre and is quieter before 2pm on a Saturday - perfect for beating the queues!
- Hop off your Metrolink service at Piccadilly Gardens for the Winter Gardens.
- With priority signals and dedicated lanes, travel by bus for convenient travel around Greater Manchester with low-cost, simple fares.
- If you have to drive into the city, park in a car park closest to your route out of the city centre, if you can.
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