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Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) has conducted research into people's needs during the festive period and have been working with bus, rail and tram operators on service needs.

There will be the usual reduction in the level of services between Christmas and New Year which will mean a Saturday service on most bus routes.

However, the executive has taken into account feed back from the public and requested that bus companies provide services for people to travel to work on these days.

Allen Brett, the transport authority's Transport Network Committee chair, said: "Naturally, there will be a reduced level of services over the festive period but the authority will be able to provide a free door-to-door service for people to visit their close relatives in hospital on the festive bank holidays.

"In the run up to Christmas we will be conducting an extensive publicity campaign to make sure that public transport users are fully informed.

"I would urge all passengers to make full use of the information available in advance of their journeys either by telephoning the public transport information line or looking at our website."

The special taxi service will be available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day and must be booked through the relevant hospital.

Full details of services are available on 0161 228 7811 or on www.gmpte.com.