Festive travel advice for passengers ahead of Manchester Christmas Markets

Network Rail is keeping passengers safely on the move this Christmas, but antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys before travelling as the Manchester Christmas Markets open this Friday (8 November). 

Last year, the station welcomed over 6.6 million passengers during the festive season, and this year is set to be even busier. Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk before they start their journey and check what time their train is. 

Alongside visitors to the Christmas Markets, people traveling to concerts, football matches, and Christmas parties will travel by rail into the city.

Extra staff and event managers have joined the station team to keep passengers safely on the move. 

Passengers are being strongly reminded that while Christmas cheer is most welcome, behaviour that crosses the line will not be tolerated.

 
Margaret Edge, Manchester Piccadilly’s station delivery manager, said: “Christmas is a special time at Manchester Piccadilly, and we love being a part of the festivities as people travel through the station to celebrate, or do their Christmas shopping.

“However, our priority is to keep everyone safe. If you are not able to travel safely, you will not be welcome at the station. Disruptive and dangerous behaviour, after a few too many mulled wines, puts yourself, other passengers, and our colleagues at risk. Please, be considerate of others when travelling by train this Christmas.

“We have extra staff on hand this year to help keep you safely on the move.”
Network Rail is working with the British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester and train operating companies to make sure passengers and railway workers are kept safe throughout the Christmas period.

Chief Inspector James Mitchell from the British Transport Police, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festivities safely.

“We’ll have a robust policing plan in place and you’ll see an increased police presence patrolling the network to help keep you safe.

“It’s really important to remember to respect fellow  passengers and rail staff - any abusive behaviour or incidents of anti social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We urge everyone travelling on the railway to save our discreet text number 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian app.”