Shudehill Interchange - Manchester

[Hopkirk]

I have to collect someone arriving in Manchester by Megabus at the Shudehill Interchange.

I don't know the area at all - does anyone know if there is an area to arrange to collect them from?

Looking on Google streetview there seem to be a lot of 'no stopping' and 'no loading' signs.

To add to the problems, I don't know what this person looks like!

Thanks, Marty Hopkirk.

[novalis]

The Arndale shopping centre multi-storey carpark is diagonally opposite Shudehill bus station and tramstop. That will prpably be the easiest for you.

[factor-fiction]

I've picked someone up there. There is a multistorey carpark (NCP I think) attached to the interchange. If you know the exact time you can just pull into a side street but it's not easy to find free parking or somewhere to stop for more than a couple of minutes

[Hopkirk]

Thanks to you both.

I know the exact time the bus is due, but who knows what time it will actually arrive!

The car park sounds a good idea, but are you both talking of the same car park, or are there two?

[novalis]

They are different but adjacent multi-storeys.

[Buenchico]

The Printworks is right next to the transport interchange:
http://www.theprintworks.com/the_place/visitor_information/how_to_get_here/
but the NCP car park there isn't cheap!
http://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/manchester-printworks-jv/

[factor-fiction]

I think there is one that's part of the interchange, but the Arndale one was less than 100 metres away so I' don't think there's much in it except that I think you don't have to go out in the rain if you use the Shudehill one

[DrFilth]

Depending on where you are coming from why not park up at a tram stop outside the city centre and get the tram to the interchange then tram back out
the tram stops at the bus station so saves the hassle of paying for the car parking

[Elina]

Hi Hopkirk,
this car park is not too far from Shudehill Interchange .. just a short bus ride away. It is I believe very reasonable regards parking fees. http://carparkmaps.co.uk/carparks/view/3716

[Hopkirk]

Thanks for all your advice - it is much appreciated.

Plans are evolving, and I might be picking this person up elsewhere now.

Thanks again.

[Elina]

No probs!

[Eve]

Can't add much to the above but I was also going to suggest getting the tram in to Shudehill and then you aren't racking up expensive parking charges, especially if the coach is late. Plenty of places nearby you can get a coffee or bite to eat.

Do be warned though there are currently works going on on a second city tram line so services via Victoria Station (stop right before/after Shudehill depending on which direction you come from) so keep an eye out for that and they seem to love doing work on the network on the weekends and taking tram lines off, especially on a Sunday!

I wouldn't recommend on street parking if you don't know the area - we have militant traffic wardens in force! There are some cheaper car parks though some of them aren't legit (especially pop ups when big shows and football are on). There are a few just out of town but depends on how much of a walk you want and whether you can find your way about.

There is a hopper bus though which is free which may help get you to further out ones. There is the number 3 bus which would get you from the old BBC site which is now a big car park to Shudehill, could well be cheaper!

http://www.tfgm.com/buses/Pages/metroshuttle.aspx

Where is it you are coming in from and what day/time of day? Plenty of car parks, as said, and one right on the interchange.

Shudehill is basically a bus terminus, enclosed long oblong shape with buses coming in and round and out in a loop around it.

Another thought is if they do a stop off just before the city centre which may be easier to get collected from.

[Hopkirk]

We are both heading for Media City in Salford, and I now realise that the Megabus goes via Birmingham which I do know - so we will probably meet in the lovely Digbeth area.

[Elina]

I hope the weather's fine for you both Hopkirk!

[Eve]

Ah yeah (spot the non-driver!), there is a car park up towards that way near Aldi and the retail park. Probably quicker to walk, about 10/15 mins and pretty straight forward. I'd avoid like the plague if there is anything big on at the City Stadium though.

[Eve]

Ahh, the new Digbeth is really nice! Transformation from the shed it used to be and has a Starbucks!

Media City is reachable on the tram easily from Shudehill - they have had a switcharound of service destinations with the works but very easy to get there via tram from Shudehill, even if you need to change, at Cornbrook or at city stops St Peter's Square,/Manchester Central (GMEX).

[Hopkirk]

New Digbeth?

Well the old one was pretty depressing.

Now I just have to check that Megabus do actually use Digbeth and not some other place.

[DrFilth]

you can get some info about the trams from here

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx

[Hopkirk]

Thanks Doc, but things have moved on and I am avoiding Manchester centre now.

It seems Megabus can't afford the lovely Digbeth coach station, they just use a kerbside stop in Hill Street.

Oh the glamour of travel!