The new look free bus is now running, replacing the Manchester Metroshuttle. Still completely free and with later running times, the revamped service provides travel to all your favourite Manchester city centre destinations.
free bus offers you:
- New look bus livery
- New streamlined routes, to better connect you to train, tram and bus stations.
- Frequent services – buses will run every ten minutes Monday to Saturday and 15 minutes after 6.30pm
- Later running services – up to 10pm Monday to Saturday
- An extension to Salford Central station at peak times
- Screens that provide audio and visual announcements on various aspects of the journey - route plan, next stop, places of interest, nearby businesses etc.
- Fully wheelchair accessible.
The free bus is operated by First Manchester.
Route 1
Piccadilly Rail Station via Station Approach, Piccadilly, Portland Street, Charlotte Street, King Street, Cross Street, Market Street, St Mary’s Gate, Deansgate, Hardman Street, Byrom Street, Quay Street, Peter Street, Mount Street, Albert Square, Cross Street, King Street, York Street, New York Street, Portland Street, Chorlton Street, Aytoun Street, Auburn Street, to Piccadilly Approach.
Route 2 (including Salford Central Rail Station during AM/PM peak)
Piccadilly Rail Station via Station Approach, London Road, Fairfield Street, Whitworth Street, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Quay Street, New Quay Street, Irwell Street, Trinity Way, Chapel Street, New Bailey Street, Bridge Street, Deansgate, Victoria Bridge Street, Chapel Street, Victoria Street, Hunts Bank, Victoria Station Approach, Todd Street, Corporation Street, Withy Grove, Shudehill, Thomas Street, High Street, Church Street, Dale Street, Ducie Street, to Piccadilly Approach.
Existing Metroshuttle services in Bolton and Stockport will not be affected by the changes.
Free Wi-Fi on Manchester City Centre free bus
How do I connect?
Once you have boarded the free bus follow the instructions on your mobile device to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Please note that this process can differ depending upon the device manufacturer and operating system so please make sure you are familiar with how to do this before connecting.
Look for the hotspot called “FreeBusWiFi”. Complete the registration page, which only needs to be done on your first visit, and agree to the Terms and Conditions by ticking the box then click Connect, and that’s it!
How does Free Wi-Fi work?
A mobile data signal (4G/3G) is received by an onboard router. The router then broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal within the bus which passengers can connect to and access the internet. The service is provided free of charge to all free bus bus passengers in Manchester City Centre (Routes 1 & 2).
Use of free bus free Wi-Fi is subject to Terms and Conditions.
What else should I be aware of?
The free Wi-Fi works much in the same way as a mobile phone and at times and in certain circumstances, can be subject to the same difficulties that a mobile phone may encounter. Variables such as tall buildings or structures, geographic features like hills or valleys, weather conditions, temperatures, electrical or radio interference and the number of mobile devices connected to a cell tower or the router itself can result in differing user experiences or levels of service.
Is there are a time limit for customers?
TfGM have decided that no time limits for customer usage will be imposed and we aim to offer a broadly consistent user experience no matter how many devices are connected to the free Wi-Fi. In order to do this we make sure every device will connect at up to the same maximum download and upload speeds, and are subject to a set data quota. Don’t worry though, if the data limit is reached you’ll still be able to use the free Wi-Fi, just not as fast as before.
