The Commonwealth Games Transport Strategy Steering Group today launched its transport strategy for the Games.

Not only does it aim to get as many visitors as possible travelling to the Commonwealth Games by public transport, GMPTE are also encouraging people who normally travel around Greater Manchester by car to consider switching to public transport for the period of the Games.

Chris Mulligan, GMPTE’s Director General and Chair of the Games Transport Steering Committee, said: “The Commonwealth Games is going to be the biggest sporting event ever to be held in the UK and, undoubtedly, transport is going to be a real deciding factor in the smooth running of the event.

“We’ve looked at every aspect of the public transport journey and tried to make it as easy as possible for people to access public transport and information about it. We’ll have more buses, trains and trams running round the city than ever before, as well as around 8,000 dedicated parking spaces for spectators at Park and Ride sites and parking at a distance from Sportcity at Park and Walk sites.

“Good information provision about public transport is going to be essential and so we’re putting in a network of electronic information points as well as extending the hours and facilities available at our existing information outlets like the telephone enquiry line, Travelshops and website.

“We’ve been working closely together to minimise disruption as far as we can but people are still going to have to plan their journeys carefully and allow plenty of extra time.”

Councillor Val Stevens, Executive Member for Planning, Transport and the Environment, said: “I am delighted that so much is being done to get people travelling by public transport during the Games and I thank all the agencies involved in bringing all the elements together. Cycling and walking routes also form a significant part of the strategy with cycle facilities being provided at all of the Games venues. The ‘Citylink’ route between Piccadilly and the Stadium only takes around 20 minutes to walk."

Manchester City Council’s Traffic Engineering Manager, Keith Williams, said: “We are working hard to ensure that athletes, spectators, businesses and the residents of Manchester can all be accommodated. Roads will be busier than normal and we are encouraging the use of public transport as an alternative to the car during Games time. Many more signs will be provided on the highway network to help visitors find their way to the venues.”