A huge new bus network initiative is set to be trialled over the coming weeks as Transport for Greater Manchester is hoping to help Man City fans get to the Etihad Stadium.
With the Etihad Campus located along the busy Ashton-Eccles Metrolink line, tram services to and from Man City’s home ground can get extremely busy and other forms of public transport in and out of the city are regularly populated by other everyday commuters and so on.
That being said, as part of Greater Manchester’s ever-expanding Bee Network, TfGM is now set to introduce as many as 17 new dedicated bus routes around the region from this month onwards, with bus services and park-and-ride facilities stretching across the boroughs and leading to the Etihad.
The newly proposed network covers 60 stops and will cover a combined total of more than 340 miles, with the first of the new bus services set to launch on Saturday, 17 February ahead of City‘s home match against Chelsea.
Credit: The Manc
As per a statement by TfGM, the new bus routes to the Etihad are said to have been carefully selected following a detailed analysis of fan data which identified areas with limited existing travel options, or those with a dense population of Season Ticket Members.
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Tickets in Zone 1 will be priced at £6 for a return and those in Zone 2 will cost £8. These zones have been decided in line with the existing Metrolink zoning system and must be purchased on the day when boarding the bus.
Not unlike existing coaches organised by football supporters groups around Greater Manchester and beyond, one bus will operate per route and there will be space for an average of 80 fans per bus, dishing out seats on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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The new additions are also not expected to disrupt existing routes. You can see more detailed information about the stops HERE but TfGM has also published a helpful map outlining the new network:
Stretching as far as Macclesfield, New Mills, Haughton Green, Radcliffe, Flixton, Hale and many towns across the 10 boroughs, the 17 new City buses should help countless more Blues make their way to the game without having to use their own cars, source parking or add to congestion on established routes.
By connecting fans across the region through a direct and reliable mode of travel, the newly proposed bus network will create a low-priced option for fans, making travelling to matches more efficient and increasingly sustainable.
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Commenting on the introduction of the bus network, Managing Director of Manchester City Operations, Danny Wilson, said: “We want all our fans to have an amazing experience when they come to the Etihad Stadium, and we know that travelling to and from a match can play a key part in achieving this.
“The introduction of this trial follows a detailed analysis of fan travel arrangements which has helped us to identify areas with limited travel options, and develop a bespoke, large-scale operation tailored to our fans.” Fingers crossed the trial goes successfully and the scheme is fully greenlit.
Mayor Andy Burham added: “This is an exciting trial that will give Manchester City FC fans another option for getting to and from matches at the Etihad in an affordable, convenient, safe and sustainable way.
“This month we have already introduced a new six-minute Metrolink service between the city centre and Etihad Campus – and this new partnership between TfGM and Manchester City Football Club demonstrates a wider vision for helping people travel to one of the city’s most iconic sporting venues.”
Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May).
“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.
“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).”
Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Danny Jones
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Danny Jones -
9th February 2024 
