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TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’ 

The trams are going to be little greenhouses on wheels

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 23rd June 2026

Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.

As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.

Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.

It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.

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And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.

The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.

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TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.

“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.

“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”

TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave

  • Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
  • Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
  • Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
  • If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
  • Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
  • Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
  • Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Manchester’s ‘busiest’ road set to close for annual safety inspections this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Mancunian Way at night

The Mancunian Way is set to close for its annual safety inspections this weekend.

As Manchester City Council looks to ‘improve’ what is, by far, one of Manchester’s busiest and most-used roads, given the fact it is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city centre, it has been confirmed that a two-day closure of Mancunian Way is set to take place this weekend so that essential inspection works can be carried out. 

With an estimated 15 million journeys taken along this road annually, the Council says it’s vital that inspections are conducted to keep traffic flowing.

Taking place over the weekend, both carriageways and their slip roads will be out of use from 6am on Saturday 27 June until 6am on Monday 29 June.

The closure will run from the Chester Road roundabout and Fairfield Street.

Fully signed diversions will be in place during this time for vehicles travelling in both directions, the Council has confirmed – with diversion routes planned for Trinity Way, Great Ancoats Street, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, and Fairfield Street.

Of course, this does mean that some disruption to the public is expected, with anyone travelling in and out of the city centre told to plan their journeys ahead of time, however the Council has chosen for the closures to be overnight so that any disruption is kept to a low a level as possible.

“Because of the tens of thousands of vehicles we see use the Mancunian Way every day, ensuring its proper maintenance and upkeep is essential”, commented Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.

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“There will be a level of disruption which is why we’d urge people to plan their journeys ahead and find an alternative route which avoids the closure.  

“Thank you to everyone ahead of your patience as we carry out these essential works.”

Featured Image – Geograph

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Date for Greater Manchester’s next Mayoral Election officially announced

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Greater Manchester is set to vote for new Mayor, and the election date has now officially been announced.

After it was announced last Friday that Andy Burnham had clinched the victory in the crucial Makerfield by-election, winning 24,927 votes (54.8% vote share) and a majority of 9,231, and right off-the-back of announcing his intentions to run for Labour Party leader, and therefore Prime Minister, the date of Greater Manchester’s next Mayoral Election has now been announced.

As the role of Mayor of Greater Manchester also holds Police and Crime Commissioner powers, as an elected MP, Burnham is now disqualified from holding the office of Mayor.

“It is with some sadness that this result brings an end to my wonderful nine years as mayor of Greater Manchester,” Andy Burnham said in his victory speech last week.

“This city region has given so much to me, and it is a wrench to leave the job I love, but I am not leaving the service of Greater Manchester.

“I’ve always been clear that it can’t achieve everything it should be and we can’t close the north-south divide, and we can’t make all the great English cities be what they should be without big change at the national level.”

The date for Greater Manchester’s next Mayoral Election has officially been announced / Credit: GMCA

In accordance with the law, an election to fill the vacancy of Mayor must be held within 35 working days.

Therefore, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Returning Officer has determined that a Mayoral Election will be held on Thursday 30 July 2026.

More information on the upcoming election, and the full list of candidates running for the position, is set to be announced in due course.

Timeline wise on the Prime Ministerial side, Keir Starmer says he will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable for the takeover, with nominations opening on 9 July and to be completed by the summer recess (16 July), and in the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.

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Starmer will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, adding: “I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.”

Featured Image – Mangopear Creative (via Unsplash)

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