Rail bosses urge passengers to plan journeys for Christmas markets

More than 500,000 passengers used Manchester’s Piccadilly rail station on the opening weekend of the city’s Christmas markets.

Now, rail bosses are urging passengers to ‘think in threes’ with more people than ever expected to travel in and out of the city by train to visit the festive facilities.

Network Rail revealed that 503,384 passengers used Piccadilly last weekend.

And it is advising everyone travelling into the city by train to plan ahead to allow for the smoothest journey possible.

Millions of people are expected to visit Manchester for the markets until December 23, with many using the railway to enjoy the city’s festive events and attractions – but it can mean trains and platforms are much busier.

Network Rail’s top three travel tips are:

• Plan your journey
• Check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk
• Know the times of your trains home

While the Christmas markets are taking place, average passenger numbers at Manchester Piccadilly station rise by up to 40,000 each day, peaking at 160,000 in total.

That’s compared with the average of 120,000 passengers using the station daily during the rest of the year.

As with previous years, queuing systems may be used at exceptionally busy times to safely allow people to board their trains home.

Extra staff will be on hand between Thursday and Sunday every weekend in the run up to Christmas.

Scott Green, Network Rail’s station manager at Manchester Piccadilly, said: “The Christmas market and festive season are great for Manchester, but marks the start of the busiest time of the year for the station.

“Passenger numbers increase significantly at Piccadilly, causing busier services and more people on platforms and the station concourse.

“I’m urging passengers to think in threes to make travelling in and out of the city as easy as possible.

Manchester Piccadilly platforms 4 and 5

“Planning your journey, checking before you travel and knowing the times of your trains home will really help everyone. There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout.”

Passengers are also being urged to think ahead and plan their journeys if they will be using the rail network over Christmas.

As part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, Network Rail will be carrying out improvement work across Britain between December 24, and January 2, which may affect journeys.

Passengers can plan their Christmas travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk/christmas – for specific Manchester Piccadilly station information follow @NetworkRailMAN on Twitter or check with your train operator.