Advice on using public transport over Christmas and New Year

Transport for Greater Manchester is urging people to stay safe, stay local and carefully consider their travel plans this Christmas.

The region is currently under Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, meaning people can form a ‘Christmas bubble’ with two other households, but only on Christmas Day itself.

Residents are being urged to keep their bubbles as small as possible, and not to form a bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area.

Those that have travelled to Greater Manchester from a Tier 4 area or Wales are being asked to self-isolate for at least 10 days. This means they must remain in the house where they’re staying. Other people who live in the house don’t need to self-isolate unless they show symptoms, but no visitors are permitted to enter, even on Christmas Day.

People are being encouraged to stay local, avoid travelling to higher or lower tier areas and think carefully about the risks of forming a Christmas bubble.

If people choose to go ahead with meeting two households on Christmas Day, they should take precautions whilst travelling. Including planning ahead to avoid disruptions and traffic, avoiding unnecessary stops, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly.

Public transport services are set to be reduced over Christmas, with limited space due to social distancing, so it’s important that passengers check for any changes.

Rules remain the same regarding travel, people should wear face coverings, carry hand sanitizer and use contactless payment methods.

Customer Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, Stephen Rhodes, said: “We know that it’s been a very difficult year for everyone, but I’d urge people to follow the latest government advice.

“If you must travel during the rest of the festive period then please remember to take care, plan ahead and follow the simple safer travel rules and guidance. For those travelling by car, please remember to watch your speed and don’t drink and drive.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure the transport network is as safe, clean and reliable as possible, so let’s continue to work together to help stop the spread of the virus, protect ourselves and each other and enjoy Christmas and New Year.”