Passengers planning on travelling on the Manchester Metrolink network this Sunday (19th May) are being advised to plan ahead with Manchester City hoping to secure the Premier League title at the Etihad Stadium whilst Barry Manilow appears at the non-opened Co-Op Live arena. With the two venues being next to each other the Ashton line is expected to be extremely busy in the build-up and aftermath of the two events.
As per the announcement before Co-Op Live was originally due to open, ticket holders for the concert are able to travel for free on Metrolink to and from the venue – and with pre-booked car parking already sold out (and there is a strict residents parking scheme in the area) people are being strongly advised to use public transport to get there.
Double trams will be running on Metrolink between the city centre and Etihad Campus both before and after the Manchester City match. City supporters can also make use of a shuttle bus service to the city centre or on one of the 17 supporters bus services from across Greater Manchester.
Danny Vaughan, now the Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “We’re expecting it to be a really busy Sunday with Barry Manilow in town and Manchester City on the brink of a fourth consecutive Premier League title – that’s why we’ve worked with partners on plans to ensure our transport network is as robust as possible on the day.
“We want everyone to have a great time and, would encourage those off to the Etihad or Co-op Live to use public transport for their journeys, or consider walking, cycling or wheeling as the best way to get to and from their destination.
“Planning and preparation for events such as this is done in great detail and there will be plenty of staff on hand to help and support people making their way to and from their destination. Enhanced bus and tram services will be in place and we will also be monitoring the network and providing up to date travel information so people’s journeys run as smoothly as possible.”