Passengers using Manchester Piccadilly station are being urged to ‘think in threes’ when the city’s Christmas markets return next week.
Huge numbers are expected to travel in and out of the city by train for the festive event which opens in the new location of Piccadilly Gardens on Friday 12 November and lasts until 22 December.
With bumper crowds expected because last year’s event was cancelled, Network Rail is advising rail travellers to follow these three tips for the smoothest journey possible.
Plan your journey and check before you travel
Take an earlier train home – later services will be extremely busy
Remember Network Rail’s motto of ‘Be safe, be patient, be kind’ when travelling
During 2019’s Christmas market opening weekend more than 400,000 people used Manchester Piccadilly station.
Because the market was cancelled in 2020, this year station staff are expecting large numbers to flock to Manchester for some festive fun.
While the stalls and attractions are a great addition to the city, it can mean trains and platforms are much busier at the station.
As with previous years, queuing systems may be used to safely allow people to board their trains home.
Passengers who can are expected to wear a face-covering in busy stations and on trains so everyone can travel in confidence.
Meanwhile, enhanced cleaning procedures will remain in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, with hand sanitiser on the station concourse.
