Manchester United supporters attending Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth are being advised to set off an hour earlier than usual, with no trams running to Old Trafford on a matchday for the first time in more than a decade.
The game at Old Trafford kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, October 25, but fans will be unable to reach the ground by tram because of line closures. No trams are running on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines until Monday, November 1, while major improvement works are carried out.
Alternative travel options in place
Metrolink services on the Airport and East Didsbury lines will also only run as far as Firswood. As an alternative, shuttle buses will operate from Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange, and the Trafford Centre to the ground, with frequencies ranging from every five to 20 minutes depending on the route. Return services will run after the final whistle.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), which runs the Bee Network, said it was 'advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.'
Apology and encouragement to plan ahead
Ian Davies, TfGM's Network Director for Metrolink, said: "There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption."
Davies added: "We've put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements that will help fans get to and from the game. Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium."
Shuttle bus details
From Manchester city centre, shuttle buses will run from Piccadilly Gardens to the ground from 10am, with services every five minutes from midday. The final departure will be at 1:25pm, and return services will depart from Chester Road (outside the Ford Garage) or Wharfside Way adjacent to the E2 car park.
From Altrincham, shuttle buses will depart from Stand D at Altrincham Interchange, calling at Navigation Road, De Quincey Road, and Stanley Mount. Services will run every five minutes from midday, with return services departing from Chester Road outside Tesco after the match. From the Trafford Centre, buses will run from the bus station from midday, departing every seven minutes, with the final departure at 1:14pm and return services from Wharfside Way adjacent to the N2 car park.
All Bee Network tickets will be accepted on all services, or tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.
