All aboard for a cut-price day out

East Lancashire Railway logo

Rochdale residents are being invited to take advantage of a special reduced price offer to experience one of the area’s top tourist attractions.

Anyone who lives in the borough is entitled to a cut-price trip on the East Lancashire Railway on the final weekend of this month (28-29 March). The offer means a family of four could save a credit crunch-busting £19 on the cost of a day out.

Both steam trains and diesel engines are run on the heritage railway line between Rawtenstall and Heywood – via Ramsbottom and Bury.

On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March, people living in Rochdale can take advantage of the special fares – £3.80 for adults and £2.50 for children and concessions. The usual fare for an adult full line return journey is £11.80.

All you need to do is bring along some proof of residence in the borough – such as a driving licence or recent utility bill.

Councillor Mohammad Sharif, cabinet member for regeneration on Rochdale Council, said: “The East Lancashire Railway is a fantastic day out for all the family, so if you’ve never been, this is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the attraction at a discounted rate. It’s a great trip back in time to experience transport from the Victorian era and well worth a visit.”

This will be the first time the ELR has offered discounts for local people who do not already hold one of their residents’ permits. Holders of ELR Residents Permits travel at the reduced fares throughout the year for an annual charge of £5.50. If you’d like to take advantage of the discounts all year round, you can pick up an application form from one of the railway’s staffed stations.

Trains run on weekends only between September and April, and Wednesday to Sunday between May and September. Services also run on Bank Holidays.

For more details about the railway including timetables and station locations, see www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk or call 0161 764 7790.