Local Link is a service run by GMPTE which allows passengers living in the areas where the service has been introduced to ring and book a journey, door to door, within the local area. Anyone living in the area can use the service, as there are no age or disability restrictions on users, such as apply to Ring & Ride services. Prices are similar to the cost of a bus fare and you canuse the service Monday- Saturday between 9am-5pm.
Traveling by bus
GMPTE have timetables available for all bus services running in Greater Manchester. These can be downloaded from their website, obtained from local Travelshops (which are listed on the website), through the Journey Planner or you can request them by phone on 0871 200 22 33.
Traveling by tram
Metrolink trams operate throughout Greater Manchester. It is a fast and frequent service, running 7 days a week, 364 days of the year.
One door has flat-level access for pushchairs and wheelchairs (make sure you stand on the appropriate part of the platform - look out for the sign on platforms and tramdoors).
Some of the stations have stairs and lifts rather than ramp access. It is worth checking in advance if these are working. Call Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 (lines are manned from 7am-11pm Monday to Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday).
Traveling by metroshuttle bus
The metroshuttle free city centre buses are a great way to get round the city centre. There are three different circular routes that provide links to all of main areas in the city centre, including the railway stations, several NCP car parks and many of the bus and tram stops.
The services are very regular with a bus every 5 minutes on Service 1 (orange), every 10 minutes on Service 2 (green) and every 10 minutes on Service 3 (purple).
All of the metroshuttle buses have low floors and wide doors for easy access.
Traveling by train
There are 3 central train stations in Manchester: Piccadilly is the largest; and Oxford Road and Victoria stations are also central. Deansgate Station is a small station just on the outskirts of the centre and some trains from Piccadilly stop at both Oxford Road and Deansgate stations. Victoria isn't on the same route as Piccadilly and Oxford Road though - it is a completely separate track. Victoria is linked to Piccadilly by the Metrolink tram service, so it's not hard to get from one to the other. It's quite a long walk!
