01.06.17
Metrolink offers free travel for One Love Manchester concertgoers
Metrolink has today announced it will support the One Love Manchester aid concert taking place on Sunday by offering passengers free travel to Old Trafford.
Following the terrorist attack that took place at Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May, pop star Ariana Grande has organised a charity concert at Old Trafford featuring herself and other musicians performing in aid of the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund which was set up to support victims of the attack.
And now transport in Manchester has also announced it will pitch in to the charitable efforts by saying that any passenger with a ticket to the gig will be allowed to ride to the venue and back for free.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Manchester, described Metrolink’s announcement as a wonderful gesture that was sure to add to what will be a moving but memorable event for all concertgoers, and was in line with the spirit of generosity that has been seen in the city over the last few days.
“This is also an appropriate opportunity for me to thank the Metrolink staff who helped on the night and all the transport staff who have played their role in helping the city recover, including all those at Victoria Station,” Burnham added.
“This gesture and the regard it shows for people is another example of this great city's values shining through.”
With 50,000 people expected to go to the show, Metrolink has also warned that services will be extremely busy throughout the day, and passengers have been advised to allow extra time for journeys. Additional staff will also be on hand to help the network cope with the large number of people travelling.
This comes the same week that Manchester Victoria was reopened for services after being shut down to allow police to carry out investigations in the area. The news also follows police upping their security efforts as armed police started patrolling trains outside of London for the first time.
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.