If you are travelling by public transport, timetable information can be found by telephoning Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) on 0871 200 22 33 or on the Public Transport for Greater Manchester website.
The 147 bus service which runs from Piccadilly Railway Station and is operated by the hospitals and its partners, is being extended to link to the new car park and provide access to all parts of the 44 acre hospitals site (note: the new hospitals development will be completed in 2009). This service will run along Oxford Road, down Hathersage Road past Saint Mary's Hospital, left onto Upper Brook Street, passing the Manchester Royal Infirmary's (MRI) Accident & Emergency Department, then left onto Grafton Street, providing access to the out-patients at MRI and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
The 147 bus which travels from Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station via the Universities to the Trust every 10 minutes throughout the day acts as a Shuttle Bus around the site A hop-on hop-off day ticket is available around the Trust site.
There are three local taxi firms around the hospital;
Information points in Greater Manchester: GMPTE Travelshops will help you to plan your journey and provide details of services and times. GMPTE Travelshops are found at most bus stations in Greater Manchester.
GMPTE's Traveline team can provide information about all bus, train and tram services in the Greater Manchester area, including timetables, leaflets and maps. Phone Traveline on 0871 200 2233 (calls cost 10p a minute from landlines, mobile phones and landline networks may charge an additional tarrif. Lines are open 7.00 am - 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday and 2.00 am - 8.00 pm at weekends and public holidays.
www.GMPTE.com/hospitals will tell you how to access hospitals in Greater Manchester by public transport. Here you will find maps of the hospitals, locations of bus stops, rail stations and tram stops close any hospital. It also displays route maps of services to and from the hospital, which you can download and print.
If you are on low income, receive benefits and need to travel to hospital to receive NHS treatment, you may be entitled to help with the cost. Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) refunds require you to complete a HC1 form available from our Cashier's Office, at the Children's Hospital (ground floor next to Saint Mary's), Job Centre Plus or local Post Office. You will need to take proof of benefit entitlement with you and retain your valis travel tickets as proof. To check whether you are eligible please contact our Cashier's Office Tel: 0161 201 9385/6 who will be able to advise you before you travel. You can also check full details in the HC11 booklet.
The GMPTE leaflet 'Finding out about Public Transport to hospitals in Greater Manchester' explains that a concessionary travel pass that allows people aged 60 or over, under 16, qualifying disabled people and those with learning difficulties to free travel on local buses in England between 9.30 am and 11.00 pm on weekdays and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
GMPTE provide Travel Vouchers for people who are not able to use ordinary buses, trainis or Metrolink and who have serious walking difficulties or are registered clind. For more information about concessionary or free travel phone 0161 244 1050.
Travel Vouchers are available for blind people with walking difficulties who are not able to use ordinary buses. They can be used to pay for taxis and for travel on accessible bus services such as Ring & Ride and community transport. For an application form and further information please write to GMPTE Passes and Permits, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3BG or phone 0161 2441050.
