There will be a lot of changes to timetables over the festive period(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)

If you need to catch a bus, tram or train on New Year’s Day, you may run into some issues.

The first day of 2026 will see some disruptions to services on all forms of public transport, which could result in longer waiting times or outright cancellations. However, while some services will start at different times, others will remain unchanged.

As a result, it’s important to plan any journey you might have to take on January 1 well in advance.

Here’s a breakdown of how Greater Manchester’s services will be affected by the first bank holiday of the new year.

Trams

Trams will run every 15 minutes from 7am until midnight on New Year’s Day the following services:

  • Altrincham – Etihad Campus
  • Bury – Piccadilly
  • Ashton-under-Lyne – Eccles (via MediaCityUK)
  • Rochdale Town Centre – East Didsbury (via Exchange Square)
  • Manchester Airport – Victoria (via Market Street)
  • The Trafford Centre – Deansgate-Castlefield

Buses

Buses will run to special timetables on these routes on New Year’s Day:

Arriva: 320

Bee Network: 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 33, 36, 37, 43, 50, 52, 59, 76, 83 to 86, 93, 97, 100, 101, 111, 118, 126, 132, 135, 142, 156, 163, 182, 192, 201, 203, 216, 219, 250, 256, 330, 409, 471, 472, 474, 501, 507, 511, 516, 524, 534, 575, 582, 601, 603, 605, 607 to 610, 632, 635, V1 and V2

Free bus 1 and 2 will run on New Year’s Day.

No other buses will run.

The Bee Network should be fully electric by the end of the decade(Image: Manchester Evening News)Trains

Northern Rail say that trains may start later than usual on New Year’s Day. Commuters have been told to expect a Sunday-style service, meaning fewer trains.

It’s crucial to check your specific journey using the National Rail website or Northern’s app before travelling, as times change, and engineering works are common.

There’s a reduced timetable on all Avanti West Coast routes in and out of Manchester too. You can use their journey planner to check services in advance.

TransPennine Express say there are a number of amended services on routes in and out of Manchester on New Year’s Day due to planned engineering works. Check their website for more information.