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Friday 1 Nov 2019

Passengers urged to check before they travel during Manchester Victoria lift upgrades

Region & Route:

North West & Central

New lifts are being installed at Manchester Victoria station as part of a package of work to improve station facilities for passengers.

The upgrade is being carried out to provide all passengers with more reliable step-free access to trains.

During the work, there will be no step-free access at Manchester Victoria and passengers who would normally use the lifts are being urged to travel to alternative stations to start or end their journeys where possible.

As well as installing more modern and reliable lifts, other improvements at the station include:
• Full refurbishment of toilets which will be free to use
• New waiting areas on platforms 3, 4 and 5
• A new customer information point
• New customer information screens
• Improved signage

Anna-Jane Hunter, director for North of England rail at Network Rail, said: “Together with our Greater Manchester Station Alliance partners, Northern and TfGM, we’re building on the regeneration of the station in 2015 by further improving the customer experience at Manchester Victoria.

“We are really grateful to passengers for their patience while this vital improvement work takes place and urge passengers requiring assistance to check with their train operator before they travel.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, added: “Manchester Victoria Station has a rich history dating back to 1844. As we celebrate the station’s 175th anniversary, it is fitting to see further improvements to this vital part of Manchester’s transport infrastructure. We really appreciate our customers’ understanding as we upgrade the lifts at the station.

“Northern, along with our partners at Network Rail and other train operators will do everything we can to assist anyone who might normally use the lifts at Victoria to ensure that their journey is as smooth as possible.

“We will have additional staff at hand during busy periods to help customers with heavy luggage, prams or with other needs, particularly during busy periods as we approach Christmas.”

Kathryn O’Brien, customer service director for TransPennine Express, said: "Manchester Victoria is one of our important hub stations helping connect people across the north of England, so it great news that this investment is taking place improving customer experience for all that use it.

"While these works take place we are advising our customers to check before they travel, especially for those who require assistance. Customers can book assisted travel by visiting https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/assisted-travel or alternatively use TPE services to/from Manchester Piccadilly."

Journeys can be planned at www.nationalrail.co.uk and any passengers who need extra assistance during their journey can book assisted travel by calling 0800 138 5560 or going to the Travel Assistance page on Northern’s website at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/help/travel-assistance.  

In 2015, Manchester Victoria underwent a full transformation, delivered by Network Rail, Manchester City Council and TfGM. The upgrade saw a new roof, the refurbishment of the Grade II listed parts of the building, a new footbridge to Manchester Arena, new lighting and retail facilities. The result was a bigger, better, brighter and more spacious station for passengers.

Network Rail, along with train operator Northern and its other partners, is improving stations across the North West of England to provide passengers with better experiences and journeys.

Work at Manchester Victoria will continue into early 2020.