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.”
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
Sport
Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Danny Jones -
9th February 2024 
