Metrolink to / from Etihad

[Eccles Blue]

I am waiting with bated breath the announcement that the Eccles line tram starts again tomorrow, Thursday 21st September, although I’m not very optimistic! :-) :-(

 

[Stephen230]

I hope you are right. In the 70s when I was a student you could get a pass for all buses and trains across the whole of Greater Manchester including Rochdale, Bolton, Wigan, Stockport etc etc. The buses ran 24 hours a day seven days a week (reduced service at night) and the national train network ran all over the Christmas period including services on Boxing Day, This is still the norm in the rest of Europe and most of the developed world. Our transport network is a national disgrace.

I don’t think it’s accurate to describe it as the norm for cities to have 24 hour public transport.

I’ve been to dozens of Europeans cities and there’s been a few like you describe. But I’d definitely say the norm is for the whole place to start shutting down round about midnight.

Maybe different at weekend but my experiences are usually midweek trips.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

I don’t think it’s accurate to describe it as the norm for cities to have 24 hour public transport.

I’ve been to dozens of Europeans cities and there’s been a few like you describe. But I’d definitely say the norm is for the whole place to start shutting down round about midnight.

Maybe different at weekend but my experiences are usually midweek trips.

I agree that only the biggest cities have 24-hour local transport but the service is vastly better, faster, and cheaper in most of Europe than here. There are lots of overnight trains as well. German trains are not as cheap as they used to be but they are very quick and usually on time. My main point is that that service here in the UK is not fit for purpose.

 

[staffsblue]

I am waiting with bated breath the announcement that the Eccles line tram starts again tomorrow, Thursday 21st September, although I’m not very optimistic! :-) :-(

Showing on the Bee Network website as reopening tomorrow, and from when the timetable changes on the 25th, Eccles services miss out Media City in the hours when the Media City to Etihad Campus service operates.

 

[Stephen230]

Showing on the Bee Network website as reopening tomorrow, and from when the timetable changes on the 25th, Eccles services miss out Media City in the hours when the Media City to Etihad Campus service operates.

Yes, I was about to reply that I was asking the guy this morning at the station whether things were on schedule and he confirmed it was all set to reopen for the first tram in the morning.

 

[Stephen230]

I agree that only the biggest cities have 24-hour local transport but the service is vastly better, faster, and cheaper in most of Europe than here. There are lots of overnight trains as well. German trains are not as cheap as they used to be but they are very quick and usually on time. My main point is that that service here in the UK is not fit for purpose.

Fair enough. I do think buses have improved quite a lot over the last few years. They’re obviously always at the mercy of traffic issues that can’t be accounted for. But on the whole a definite improvement for me. Despite all the moaning, I’ve always found the trams pretty reliable on the whole as well.

Trains is a different matter. They’ve definitely gone downhill. Both locally and long distance. But that’s probably mainly due to political reasons that are best discussed elsewhere.

 

[Eccles Blue]

@staffsblue and @Stephen230 thank you guys. I can now feel confident about getting to the game on Saturday without having to find somewhere to park near the Weaste depot tram stop. Yyeeaahh. :-)
Thanks for the help.

 

[bennyboy]

I used the Central Manchester Travelodge in Great Ducie Street. last night.
Surprisingly easy.
Victoria Tram to Market Street.
Walk up for the Etihad bus.
Return the same way back.
Travelodge 10 mins stroll from Victoria Station.Left Travelodge at 6.30pm and had plenty of time for a pre match pint.
Travelodge only just over £40,same with next champions league tie.Bargain.

 

[manclad]

Bump.
I've just been on the tram from Piccadilly Station to Edge Lane.
And Metro have got Liam Gallagher announcing each tram stop for a few days.
And as we left Holt Town it came over the PA system -
" Next Stop - Etihad Campus, home of Manchester City, current Premier League Champions and current Champions of Europe" !!!
Well done Metrolink and also very well done Liam Gallagher. You are flying the City flag very proudly.

 

[DTKOAG]