Monday 17-09-2018 - 10:36

Navigating a bustling city like Manchester can be a daunting experience, but it’s actually so easy to get around by public transport. Armed with these transport apps and student discounts, you’ll be able to reach every corner of Greater Manchester in no time – and without needing to take out a second student loan.

 

1. Buses

Buses are a great way to get around the city – luckily as students, you get some discounts. You can get unlimited weekly or monthly travel on any bus service with System One. Weekly tickets are as cheap as £14, or 28 days for £48. 

If you’re living in areas like Rusholme, Fallowfield, Didsbury or Withington, take a look at Stagecoach and Magic Bus. Their routes often go straight to uni with single tickets as cheap as £1.50 for the Magic Bus. Sadly, the prices have risen by an extortionate 50p from last year. Stagecoach also offer a termly or monthly student pass, which you can pick up at The Union from the finance office. 

2. Trains

If you’re venturing a little further afield, there are loads of options for reduced price rail travel. If you’re aged 16-25, you can get 1/3 off train fares for £30 a year. In real time – if you travel from Stockport to Manchester each day for uni, it would only take you about 1 month of travel for the card to pay for itself. If you're 26+ and in full-time education, you can also apply for this railcard. Unfortunately, the 26-30 railcard trial has sold out, but keep your eye out for updates, cross your fingers and hope that it becomes a permanent thing in the future.  

3. Trams

The Metrolink is either a source of ultimate Manc pride or utter chaos. When the trams are running well, they’re an ideal way to get across the city with barely any carbon footprint. There are stops all over the city, and you can get an off-peak day travelcard for £5.40. You can also go paperless and get tickets on your phone through the Get Me There app. The Metrolink website and app are great for travel updates too, and it’s worth keeping an eye on, because when Trammageddon hits, it hits hard. 

4. Metroshuttle

Who doesn’t love a free bus? Manchester City Centre has three different free buses – each one has a different route within the city centre, with route 2 passing right by MMU. Find out all their stops on the TFGM website. 

5. Citymapper

Like Google Maps but with ticket prices – there’s a reason Citymapper's been listed in Apple’s Apps of the Year for the past 5 years. It gives you walking, cycling, public transport and taxi options for not only the city centre – it goes all the way out to areas like Rochdale and Altringham. 

6. Cycling

If you don’t want to fight through the commuters and deal with delays and ticket costs, Manchester is becoming ever-more friendly for cyclists. Oxford road has a dedicated cycle lane so you don’t need to worry about being alongside traffic. 

If you don’t have your own bike, you can make the most of Mobike before they leave forever. Mobikes are more often found taking a dip in the canal, delicately placed on lampposts or accessorising traffic lights. You can make a Mobike’s day and use it to actually cycle somewhere for only 69p for 20 minutes. 

 

If all else fails, you could always walk.