Pocket guide to Christmas travel

PASSENGERS planning a journey over the festive season can now pick up a handy public transport guide.

GMPTE has produced 45,000 pocket-sized guides that provide information on the bus, local train and Metrolink services running over the Christmas holidays.

They will keep passengers informed of changes to public transport services — including Ring and Ride, Local Link and Metroshuttle — between December 21 and January 2.

Michael Renshaw, interim bus and rail director for GMPTE, said: “Christmas is a hectic time and many people prefer to enjoy the festive season without having to worry about driving and parking in busy towns and cities.

“Public transport is a great way to get out and about and, while bus, rail and Metrolink services will be less frequent over Christmas, there may be more services running than you might think.

“I would encourage everyone planning a journey during Christmas to check their travel plans in advance by picking up one of GMPTE’s handy Christmas Services leaflets, a straightforward guide which can be kept in your pocket for easy reference.”

Information posters are being displayed at bus, rail and Metrolink stations and selected bus stops across the county.

The Christmas Services guides are available now at Travelshops, libraries, rail stations and information centres across the county and can also be downloaded from the GMPTE website at www.gmpte.com/christmas.

Passengers can get more detailed information and help planning their journey by calling Traveline on 0871-200 22 33. Normal hours are 7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends.