Travel and transport information
Video 14: TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT – Student Voice
Travelling is a big part of student life in Manchester, and there are several ways to get around the city. The Bee Network is an integrated transport system in Greater Manchester, managed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It makes travelling easier by connecting buses, trams, trains, cycling, and walking routes into one smooth system. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, so here’s some information and helpful tips to help you travel with confidence.
Trains
Trains require you to buy a ticket before travel, either online or at the station. Ticket types vary depending on travel times and flexibility (see section) for details). Some stations have barriers you must pass through before boarding by scanning your ticket (paper or electronic QR code).
Check you’re on the right platform and train. The Trainline app is useful for buying tickets and checking live updates.
Buses
Buses accept contactless payments and offer various ticket options, including single, return, and day passes. You can also use the mobile app for purchasing tickets.
Trams
The tram system offers single, return, and day tickets. You can buy tickets at tram stops or use contactless cards or mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
If you have a pre-paid ticket, you can board directly. Otherwise, use the “tap on, tap off” system at the station or buy a ticket from the machines. Remember to tap off at your destination with the same card you used to tap on. If a ticket inspector checks, show the card you paid with. The more zones you travel through, the more it costs, so a pre-paid ticket might be cheaper if you travel often.
Travelcards
A System One Travelcard gives unlimited travel on any bus, or combinations of bus, train and tram all over Greater Manchester. Available for 1, 7 and 28 days with an annual option also available.
Click the link to visit the Bee Network website and plan a journey.
You can also find some additional transport information on the Manchester Met website.
Travel habits
- Punctuality: Public transport generally runs on time, so it’s important to be punctual.
- Queueing: It’s customary to queue at bus stops and tram stations.
- Politeness: Be courteous to fellow passengers and offer seats to those who need them, such as elderly or disabled individuals.
- Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Staying Safe and Emergency Numbers
In emergencies, call 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services, or 101 for non-urgent police assistance.
Surrounding areas of Manchester
Video 15: SURROUNDING AREAS OF MANCHESTER – FAVOURITE PLACES TO VISIT AROUND THE COUNTRY – Student Voice
The areas surrounding Manchester offer plenty of opportunities to explore, find new experiences, and enjoy your time outside of university. Click the icons below to learn more about some key places which are all easily accessible via public transport.
Food
Video 16: FINDING FOOD FROM HOME – Student Voice
This self study pack has been created by some of our fellow university students on where to shop for South Asian food. However, it has great information about supermarkets, where to buy spices and lots of other information that is useful to all our international students! Click on the image to open the pack.
Where to find or eat your favourite food…
Below we have created a padlet for you to add your favourite food shops or places to eat. Please add your recommendations so other students can enjoy these too.
[Developer note – as discussed on our last call, could this be a padlet (or similar) where the students could share their advice, tips and recommendations for things such as hairdressers etc.]
Use this padlet space to share your own advice and tips for ‘where to’ find specific services in Manchester.
