Manchester
has a bewildering array of public transport options. On both trains
and buses there
are multiple operators, many of which have their own individual promotional
deals. The good news is that the GMPTE, a public body, coordinates
all the services so the average traveller can make sense of the options
available.
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System
1 is a commercial venture and are accepted by every bus operator in
the Greater Manchester System 1 Travel Network. Some tickets also
allow travel on the train and tram networks.
Where to buy your tickets:
Buses - The bus
driver can sell you a Day Saver. Bus drivers only take cash, but are
happy to give change when they are able.
Trains
- Tickets are available from staffed stations or ticket machines,
otherwise pay on the train. Cash only at the ticket machines, but
staff will take cash, cheque and credit cards.
Trams
(Metrolink) - Buy your ticket from the machine located at the
stop entrance or on the platform. Ticket machines only take cash,
but do give change.
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Single
Operator Tickets
Some bus operators have their own versions of these tickets which
only allow travel on their own buses. If you only use the services
provided by that operator these tickets may suit your needs, but be
careful; if you buy a return ticket, make sure you can use it on the
return bus; if you can't make your return journey on a bus run by
the same bus company, you won't be able to use the return ticket and
will have to pay another fare.
It is important to keep in mind that buses on the same service with
the same service number may be run by different bus companies. A different
bus company may run the buses in the evening or at weekends from the
company running the daytime service. Check that the company which
runs your service is not going to change during the period for which
your travelcard is valid. |
| System
1 Day Passes & Travelcards |
| The
System 1 area covers the entire System 1 network in the Greater Manchester
area. The travel passes cover all public transport operators for trams,
buses and railways. |
Train/Tram
Area |
Bus Area |
Day
Passes (Childrens passes not available) - Obtain
tickets online at System
One.
Prices
last checked April 2007
Bus only........£3.70
For one day's unlimited travel throughout Greater Manchester on any
bus. Available from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday,
Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Bus only........£4.00 (includes peak times)
This ticket allows you to travel all day on any bus* within Greater
Manchester.
Valid until midnight.
Bus & Train........£4.50
For one day's unlimited travel throughout Greater Manchester on any
bus and train and the City Zone of Metrolink. Available from 9.30am
Monday-Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. Valid
until midnight.
Bus & Metrolink........£5.00
The combination of unlimited daily travel on any bus and Metrolink
gives you quick and easy access throughout the region. Available from
9.30am Monday-Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Valid until midnight.
Train & Metrolink........£5.50
The combination of unlimited daily travel on train and Metrolink gives
you easy access to all areas within Greater Manchester. Available
from 9.30am Monday-Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Valid until midnight.
Bus, Train & Metrolink........£7.00
1 Ticket that gives you complete access to one of the best integrated
public transport systems in the country, 1 day's unlimited travel
on any bus*, train+ or Metrolink. Available from 9.30am Monday-Friday
and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. Valid until midnight. |
Travelcards
These
are long term passes from 7 days to a year.
Obtain these passes at System
One. |
| Prices
last checked September 2007 |
7
Days |
1
Month |
Annual |
| Adult
Bus |
£15.00 |
£52.50 |
£550.00 |
| Adult
Bus & Train |
£25.60 |
£80.70 |
£807.00 |
| Wayfarer
Passes |
| Wayfarer
passes are very similar to the System 1 tickets. The main differences
are that Wayfarer covers a much larger area outside Manchester and
has child and weekend tickets. |
Train/Tram
Area |
Wayfarer
Bus Area |
Wayfarer
Passes (Childrens passes not available)
Prices
last checked September 2007
Adult - £8.80
Child - £4.40
Group - £17.60 (max 4 people, 2 of which must be over 15 years old)
You can
buy Wayfarer tickets from many Post Offices, staffed railway stations
and GMPTE Travelshops (at bus stations) throughout the area. You can
also buy tickets at Tourist Information Centres in the Peak District
and at some bus company ticket offices. |
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