With the region experiencing its first dusting of snow at the weekend, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is reminding people to add ‘winter travel plans’ to their festive checklist.
Whether it’s knowing which operator to call in a transport emergency or who to follow on Twitter, there’s plenty of useful advice for travel in bad weather conditions at www.tfgm.com/winter.
Travellers can also sign up to receive a new weekly Travel Update email subscription service covering major events and planned changes affecting roads, buses, trains and trams.
Transport leaders are encouraging people to:
• Know their numbers: Have the contact details for their transport operator to hand so they know who to check with if there are problems. Use a local Travelshop or check www.tfgm.com to find details.
• Time it right: allow extra time for journeys, as wintry weather can affect road and rail conditions which can make travel slower.
• Check in: check www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.metrolink.co.uk before travelling for service updates on train and tram services in Greater Manchester. People on social media can also follow TfGM on Twitter @OfficialTfGM for general transport updates and @MCRMetrolink for Metrolink service updates. Several local bus operators also have Twitter feeds.
• Keep options open: use the TfGM Journey Planner or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 to research in advance what alternative services or routes are available if travel plans are affected. This might involve using more than one service or mixing types of travel.
TfGM has also launched a series of winter cycling events, which will equip people with the advice and information they need to continue to enjoy the benefits of a life on two wheels while temperatures drop and the days get shorter.
Free cycle training, maintenance courses and advice sessions at local bike shops will be run over the winter, with free goody bags and in-store offers available. For more information on events, go to www.tfgm.com/wintercycling.
Helen Ramsden, TfGM’s Head of Travel Choices and Active Travel, said: “We all know from experience that winter weather can often make it difficult to travel, whether you’re in the car or on the train, tram or bus.
“By visiting www.tfgm.com/winter you can find useful information such as travel tips, alternative travel options, website links and contact details, all at the push of a button or tap of a screen.
“It’s worth remembering over the coming months that a bit of preparation can save you a lot of frustration.”
For help in planning a journey, go to www.tfgm.com/journeyplanner or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (Calls cost 12p a minute from BT landlines. Mobile and other landline networks may charge more. Lines are open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 8pm at weekends.)
