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Friday 3 Dec 2021

Manchester Piccadilly station sees busiest day since March 2020

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

The return of the Christmas markets has seen daily passenger numbers at Manchester Piccadilly station return to levels not seen since before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Saturday 20 November 128,591 people passed through the North West’s biggest railway station.

It’s the first time daily passenger numbers have topped 128,000 since March 6 2020.

Total passenger numbers for November 2021 were at 75% compared to the same month in 2019*.

Scott Green, head of stations for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “It’s great to see passenger numbers bouncing back and to see Manchester Piccadilly thriving once again. We’ve loved welcoming passengers back to the station over the last few months and the fact the Christmas market is back is a huge boost for the city.

“While this is great news we’re urging passengers to follow our three golden rules to make travelling in and out of Manchester Piccadilly as easy as possible. There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout the festive season.”

Network Rail has released a new video with its three golden rules for smooth journeys during December.

They are:

• Plan your journey and check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk  
• 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

Millions of people are expected to visit Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens for the Christmas market until 22 December, which last year had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

To plan journeys in advance and find out train times home passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk.

People are being encouraged to do their bit by wearing a face covering in stations and on trains unless they are exempt**.

By law travellers must wear a face covering in train stations, on train services and any replacement bus services. Those who fail to do so face a fine of £200.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Meanwhile, enhanced cleaning procedures will remain in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, with hand sanitiser on the station concourse.

To find out more about what Network Rail is doing to stop the spread of Covid-19 visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/coronavirus/.