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Friday 6 Dec 2013

Weekend passengers asked to leave more time for their journeys at Manchester Piccadilly

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Passengers travelling from Manchester Piccadilly at weekends are being asked to allow extra time for their journeys and take extra care on the station due to the increase in passengers using the station over the Christmas period.

Network Rail will be implementing crowd control measures at the station at weekends in the run-up to Christmas to prevent overcrowding on the concourse. At busy times, a queuing system will be in place for local services throughout the north west, with the busiest period expected to be from 4pm until the end of service on Saturdays.

Gavin Sutcliffe, Network Rail station manager, said: “Passengers should allow extra time to catch their train from Piccadilly over the next few weekends while we manage the huge increase in passengers using the station.

“The safety of passengers is our top priority. I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding while we implement these crowd control measures which are designed to keep passengers moving safely.”

Paul Watson, operatons director of First TransPennine Express added; "On the run up to Christmas, train services into Manchester are expected to be very busy and it is important that customers allow extra time when making their journey.

"Safety is of the upmost importance to us and we would like to advise customers to take extra care when travelling out and about. Extra members of staff will be on hand to help customers at Manchester Piccadilly Station over the next few busy weekends.”

“We'd like to thank customers for their cooperation and understanding"