Abstract: Shift control apparatus for a multiple speed sliding gear manual transmission is characterized by the provision of a main shift rail which is rotatable for crossover selection and axially slidable for engagement of the selected gear. An auxiliary shift rail is axially slidable for engagement of an auxiliary gear and a reverse idler gear is axially slidable for engagement of reverse. Linkage is provided for sliding the auxiliary shift rail in one direction upon axial sliding movement of the main shift rail in a first direction and for sliding the reverse idler gear in the same one direction upon axial sliding movement of the main shift rail in a second direction. The linkage prevents inadvertent sliding movement of the reverse idler gear. There is also provided an inhibiting device for preventing engagement of reverse inadvertently.