Transport Bosses say Guided Busway is a Hit

Operators

Transport Bosses say Guided Busway is a Hit

First Manchester, which runs the Vantage buses on the 4.5 mile segregated section, has welcomed its 150,000th customer since its launch last month and say performance has outweighing expectations.

The controversial Leigh-Manchester Busway is clearly a hit with some people – more than 4,000 passengers a day to be precise.

First Manchester, which runs the Vantage buses on the 4.5 mile segregated section, has welcomed its 150,000th customer since its launch last month and say performance has outweighing expectations.

The guided leg, from Leigh to Ellenbrook, is part of a 14-mile route linking Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Salford and Manchester .

The route, aimed at curbing congestion and journey times, has courted controversy throughout construction and its first month of service.

But its masterminds – Transport for Greater Manchester , Wigan , Salford and Manchestercouncils, and First Manchester – say the proof is in passenger numbers.

Coun Roger Jones, from Salford council, said: “The busway is proving to be a great success with local people and it’s amazing that the 150,000th customer journey has already been reached. It clearly demonstrates the demand for this service and if it continues at this rate we’ll be meeting the millionth customer in the very near future.”

The route is operated by First with 20 new bespoke and low-emission buses which connect Leigh and Manchester in 50 minutes. It includes three park-and-ride sites.

But, as the M.E.N. reported, the park-and-ride near Worsley on the East Lancs Road is attracting just a fraction of drivers to fill its 265 spaces.

Ian Humphreys, head of commercial for First Manchester, said: “With great value fares and luxury interiors, including with free wi-fi and USB charging points, we’re providing a real alternative to the car.”

Coun Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said they had received ‘150,000 endorsements’ for the scheme and the longterm investment it represented.

Atherton resident Yvonne Sixsmith was the 150,000th passenger.

Boarding at Bag Lane towards Manchester, she won a month’s free travel as was congratulated by driver Phil Ainsworth, from Tyldesley, one of 75 specially-trained drivers. She said: “I love the new Vantage service, it’s fast and reliable and I can charge my phone.”