Public transport campaign promotes Rochdale markets

GMPTE Director Urvashi Bramwell

A new campaign is being launched by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) on Monday 6 November to encourage people across the county to use public transport to visit Rochdale’s markets.

There are nearly fifty markets in Greater Manchester, including three in the Rochdale district. GMPTE has produced thousands of copies of a new ‘Places to Go’ guide which provides tips on getting to them by bus, train or tram.

The free ‘Greater Manchester’s marvellous markets’ booklet includes a map which shows the locations of all the markets in the county. It also offers advice on choosing and buying tickets, and has a short history of markets in each of Greater Manchester’s ten districts.

GMPTE Director Urvashi Bramwell said: “There are some fantastic markets in Greater Manchester and most of them are easy to reach using public transport as they’re in town centres.

“It makes sense to use bus, train or Metrolink services to get to them as you don’t have to worry about driving along unfamiliar roads or finding somewhere to park. The free markets guide provides details of the nearest public transport stops and stations to each market in Greater Manchester.

“We’ve been delighted with the success of our other ‘Places to Go’ guides and I hope the new guide will be as popular. I’d encourage people to pick up a copy and to use public transport to explore Greater Manchester’s markets.”

The right to hold a market in Rochdale was granted by Royal Charter in 1251. Rochdale market now has 77 stalls in the market hall and 87 in the covered markets. There are also markets in the nearby towns of Heywood and Middleton.

The 'Marvellous Markets Booklet' is the latest in a range of free ‘Places to Go’ guides produced by GMPTE. More than half a million have already been snapped up by people living in or visiting Greater Manchester.

The free guides are available at GMPTE Travelshops across the county, or by calling 0161 242 6040. They can also be ordered by visiting the ‘Places to Go’ section on the GMPTE web site (www.gmpte.com).

Further information about using public transport to explore Greater Manchester is available by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Lines are open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 8pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays. Textphone users should ring 0870 241 2216.