Commuting to, and travelling for work, at the Northern Care Alliance
At Northern Care Alliance we are striving to enable travel and commuting which allows;
- You to save time to do other things, like catching up, exercising, seeing more of your community and colleagues.
- Commuting options which can save money in the short and longer terms, by sharing or removing costs to individuals and also improving our whole environment.
- More flexibility in available travel modes and work options to support our communities socially and economically.
As part of working for or joining us here at Northern Care Alliance, we would encourage you to consider how you are going to travel to and from working with us - your commute and possible options for this based upon working hours and locations.
Choice
Do you want travel and commuting which improve you and your communities, living spaces, health and wellbeing or…
Time and expense lost struggling to travel and commute; whilst congestion and journey times increase, air quality declines and you become ever more constrained by limited, inflexible choices.
Plan
Three things are key to help in achieving the vision:
- Travelling less – do you need to make, or can you reduce, the journey?
- Travelling differently – would you use an alternative commuting method?
- Working flexibly – are you able to work differently to reduce your travel and commuting impacts?
myptp – a free personalised journey plan
To find out about alternative travel options for your commute or work journey, plus further information on support and guidance available, please click on one of the buttons below to start creating your free myptp plan as many times as you need.
Bury Care Organisation – plan your journey to 10 work locations around Bury
Oldham Care Organisation - plan your journey to 9 work locations around Oldham
Rochdale Care Organisation - plan your journey to 12 work locations around Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale
Salford Care Organisation - plan your journey to 13 work locations around Salford
There are a number of different commuting options available for all of our work locations and as part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of colleagues and the wider community, plus towards delivering a net zero National Health Service to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we encourage active and sustainable commuting in the first instance wherever possible.
The following information provides details of the various commuting options available. Please have a read through this and even if you only try different commute options occasionally, it can make a real difference.
We provide staff parking at our hospital sites, which also uses some private parking areas nearby, but this is limited in capacity and we cannot guarantee individuals a parking space. During peak daytime periods, as with most hospitals, our demand for parking exceeds supply. We operate a parking policy and an application system for staff parking using allocation to controlled areas and criteria to obtain a permit to seek to manage this.
For more information on our parking in general, including patient and visitor parking, please see Car Parking section. For information regarding staff and contractor parking and applying for parking, please see Staff and Contractor Parking Applications webpage.
- See the TfGM active travel website to help you move more and find out more.
- Check out ‘Join the Movement' for inspiration, top tips, links to handy apps and resources
- Start running with the couch to 5k app
- Monitor and gradually increase your brisk walking levels over time using the Active 10 app
Walking or running...
Can improve your health and see our surrounding area at a different pace? A short lunchtime walk around the hospital site can provide a break. We have information on a 30-minute lunchtime walk available for our four hospital sites.
- NCA Bike Hire via Manchester Bikes - colleagues can access this bike hire scheme with Manchester Bikes with the first month trial rental free, and further discounted rental and purchase options.
- Build your confidence on two wheels by attending free courses offered by Transport for Greater Manchester.
- Get social, with Love to Ride – which is all about getting more people riding bikes using an online encouragement platform
- If working for us for longer than 12 months (other conditions also apply), purchase a bike and, or equipment up to the value of £5k, register with the Vivup Cycle to Work Scheme for more information.
How to get your bike fixed and, or checked?
- DIY! Learn the basic essentials with this simple Cycling UK Guide.
- Attend a free course on bike maintenance offered by Transport for Greater Manchester
- Seek professional advice from your local bike shop, including our friends at Manchester Bikes; do contact them for help and advice (0161 769 5050). Their shop is on Chapel Street in Salford, but they also hold some maintenance and training sessions at our hospital sites. Check their website for details.
Where to park your bike?
Register here to gain access to the bike facilities, there is no charge for their use. Please see table at end of this document for available bike parking.
Top Tip: View the recommended ways to lock your bike, to make it as hard as possible for someone to steal it.
It's not all about lycra and racing...
We are keen to connect our hospitals to a wider safe cycling network in Greater Manchester. There are quieter routes around each of our hospitals, including cycle priority measures around the Salford Royal and Royal Oldham Hospitals. A steady bike ride, or using an electrically assisted bike, can mean you can arrive at work ready to go, no sweat.
Shower & changing facilities
To freshen up and prepare for your day, complete this short online registration form to access specific shower/ change areas for cyclists/ walkers. Please see table at end of this document for available locations.
Need more help or general advice?
Join the NCA Active Travel MS Teams Group when you get your full digital access or look out for the myptp options to create your own online travel plan for any journey to and from our hospital sites.
Please can I ask that you register as a cyclist too. Please always secure your bike in the shelter at all times.
Our hospital sites and surrounding areas are served by a number of bus routes, including frequent services. Visit the Bee Network website for public transport information and for real time bus tracking (nationally) click here. Please see table at end of this document for details of main bus services to our hospitals. As part of getting ready for the full launch of the Bee Network in Greater Manchester (Say yellow to the Bee Network | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM) single bus fares have been reduced in price to £2 per adult, with all bus operator day tickets reduced to £5 within Greater Manchester, from 4th September 2022 onwards.
For more information see the Bee Network website for public transport information, download the Bee Network app, see links below, or search the web for the relevant service operator.
For buses serving Fairfield General Hospital:
Fairfield General Hospital | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
For buses serving Royal Oldham Hospital:
Royal Oldham Hospital | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
For buses serving Rochdale Infirmary:
Rochdale Infirmary | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
For buses serving Salford Royal Hospital:
Salford Royal Hospital | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Bus Tickets & Apps
GetOnBoard with the Bee Network!
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is highlighting the benefits of travelling sustainably through their #GetOnBoard campaign. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle, or to catch the bus or tram, has proven health benefits, and with their range of ticket offers can save you money too.
You can find out more about how you can #GetOnBoard with the Bee Network, walking and cycling , and find out about a range of ticket offers on public transport.
Following the launch of the Bee Network and changes to bus operators, we would strongly advise you to check your ticket options and if you are still using a single bus operator ticket, as listed below, look at an alternative from a range of ticket offers on public transport.
System One - All operator bus and ‘multi-mode’ transport tickets
Are available for travel on all bus operators in Greater Manchester and also to use the bus with the tram or train. For more details about these see www.systemonetravel.co.uk.
Stagecoach Manchester buses
Please note that due to the launch of the Bee Network, Stagecoach Manchester weekly and monthly tickets are only valid on their services operating in Manchester & Stockport and Trafford and only until January 2025. They provide a dedicated webpage which provides a standard discount for some online tickets (Northern Care Alliance NHS | Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com).
See Stagecoach website or search Stagecoach Bus on the App Store and Google Play stores for their app.
Go North West buses
Please note that due to the launch of the Bee Network, Go North West tickets are only valid on their services operating in the Bolton & Wigan areas, as part of the Bee Network.
For real time information on your journeys and the cheapest ticket prices, download the Go North West app from the App Store or Google Play Store. See Go North West for more details. We would advise you to check the Bee Network website instead for suitable tickets.
Transdev Rosso buses
Please note that due to the launch of the Bee Network, Transdev Rosso tickets are only valid on their services operating to/ from Lancashire, such as the 464 Accrington - Rochdale. We would therefore advise you to check the Bee Network website instead for suitable tickets.
Transdev Rosso did offer their ‘Commuter Travel Club’ (Fairfield Hospital signs up to save 10% on bus travel with Commuter Club - Transdev (transdevbus.co.uk))for colleagues at Bury Care Organisation and Rochdale Care Organisation. To claim your discounted tickets, download the Transdev Go app and look for Commuter Club in the tickets section. Search Transdev Go on the App Store and Google Play stores.
First Greater Manchester buses
Please note that due to the launch of the Bee Network, First bus tickets are only valid on their services operating in the Rochdale area, as part of the Bee Network.We would therefore advise you to check the Bee Network website instead for suitable tickets.
Buy bus tickets on a smartphone using the First Bus App. See First Group website or download from App Store or Google Play stores. We also have been part of the First Bus Commuter Travel Club for a number of years, which allows discounts on tickets purchased via their app (Commuter Travel Club | Greater Manchester | First Bus)
For more information on tram services, see the TfGM website. Please see further details in 'Summary of Transport Facilities at our Sites' for which Metrolink stops are closest to our hospitals.
We have a discount scheme for annual tickets and are about to launch a further promotion in conjunction with TfGM for colleagues to travel by tram. Please email for a further discussion by clicking on this link.
Metrolink Maintenance and Improvement Works
Work taking place through September 2024 may impact upon you journey, particularly if you are travelling via Manchester City Centre. The latest customer information related to planned Metrolink maintenance and improvements works can be found on the TfGM website and customer updates for disruptive works are communicated across customer webpages, social media channels, customer and stakeholder newsletters as well as via on-stop passenger information displays, passenger announcements, and posters.
GetOnBoard with the Bee Network!
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is highlighting the benefits of travelling sustainably through their #GetOnBoard campaign. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle, or to catch the bus or tram, has proven health benefits, and with their range of ticket offers can save you money too.
You can find out more about how you can #GetOnBoard with the Bee Network, walking and cycling , and find out about a range of ticket offers on public transport.
Travel by train for part of your commute is possible for all of our sites with Salford Royal Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary being a relatively short travel distance to stations. Please see further details in table at end of document for which stations are closest to our hospitals.
Northern Railway app
Buy tickets on a smartphone using the Northern Railway Smartphone App. No need to queue to buy a paper ticket. The ticket appears on your phone. www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/free-mobile-app
Become a Super Commuter and Join the NCA Liftshare Community
Did you know that around 95% of us have at least 10 work colleagues living within a 1-mile distance who we might be able to share a commute with?
As part of our strategy to encourage sustainable and active travel options for colleagues, we are excited to be launching an app that will give you access to join our NCA liftshare community.
The Mobilityways app goes live on November 4 and will allow colleagues to share their commuting journey with peers and become a NCA Super Commuter. Those who join the community will have access to perks that include dedicated parking bays, earning points for future permit applications and prize draws. The more people that sign up, the greater the options to save.
Benefits of becoming a Liftshare Super Commuter:
• Share your commute with colleagues and reduce travel costs.
• Access dedicated parking spaces for shared journeys.
• Earn extra points for future parking permit applications.
How to become a Super Commuter:
- Download the Mobilityways app to access the NCA Liftshare community (see QR Code below)
- Select your preferred location group for your most regular journey
- Register your journeys to find a match
Watch this video to follow an easy to use guide - How to use Liftshare in the Mobilityways App (youtube.com)
We have a very limited number of EV charge points at each hospital site, the majority of which are also available for use by the general public. Please see further details in table below the main page.
We are looking at options to expand our EV charging and will also be setting up an MS Teams EV Engagement Group, so look out for more details.
Motorbikes, mopeds, and scooters are exempt from the payment aspects of the parking policy, as long as they do not occupy a defined car parking space, block walkways or entrances/ exits.
We also have some motorbike parking areas at certain hospital sites, please see further details in table at end of document.
Summary of Transport Facilities at Our Sites
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Hospital |
Fairfield General Hospital |
Rochdale Infirmary |
The Royal Oldham Hospital |
Salford Royal Hospital |
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Address |
Rochdale Old Road Bury BL9 7TD |
Whitehall Street Rochdale OL12 0NB |
Rochdale Road Oldham OL1 2JH |
Stott Lane Salford M6 8HD |
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Site maps |
Visit the Trust website and look in the getting here sections |
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Minibus Shuttles |
Minibus services for colleagues only, operate from Royal Oldham Hospital to/ from Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary & Salford Royal Hospital. For more details see the 'Transport Service' section on My Hub. | |||||
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Cycling (See previous details for more information, check when registering) |
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Cycle parking |
Yes, 28 space bike hub, 6 bike pods around site, plus a bike shelter. |
Yes, 20 space bike hub using ID badge access. Motorbike parking at rear of Main Entrance |
Yes, bike hub using ID Badge access by Estates Dept & bike hub with access opp. Main Entrance. Motorbike parking off Royal Parade & Main Drive |
Yes, multiple locations, including 3 bike hubs. Check when registering. Motorbike Parking opposite Hope Building drop off area |
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Showers / Changing |
Yes, check |
Yes, check |
Yes |
Yes |
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Travel by public transport - Public Transport & Local Link information |
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For up to date and clear public transport information including routes for bus and Metrolink, stop locations and ticket prices go to the Bee Network website. |
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Main bus stop locations and route numbers |
Rochdale Old Road Buses 433, 467,468 Jericho Road Bus 433 |
Whitehall Street Bus 440 Whitworth Road Bus 464 |
Rochdale Road Buses 149, 159, 183, 402, 409 Sheepfoot Lane Buses 149, 159, 402 Featherstall Road North Bus 182 |
Eccles Old Road Buses 10, 20, 35, 52, 67, 67a, 100 Stott Lane Buses 20, 29 Eccles New Road Buses 20, 29, 33 |
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Bus service details |
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Metrolink stops within 1.5 miles/ 30min walk |
Visit TfGM for further details on fares and tram routes. For details of individual tram stops detailed below see Tram stops | Transport for Greater Manchester. |
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Train Stations nearby, |
For information in stations listed below see Train stations - Bee Network. |
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None, see Metrolink |
Rochdale |
None, see Metrolink |
Eccles or Salford Crescent. |
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Travel by car |
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Directions/ maps |
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Electric vehicle charging point locations* |
Patient and Visitor Car Park 1 - provided by Be EV |
Opposite Main Entrance (Patient and Visitor Car Park 1) - provided by Be EV |
Patient and Visitor Car Park 2- provided by Be EV |
Central Car Park Zone 1, MSCP Level 1 – both provided by PodPoint |
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* Users need to register with the relevant provider before they use the electric charging points and the maximum period of use is 4 hours. For more details on EV option and charging points in Greater Manchester see cleanairgm.com/electric-vehicles