“I welcome the findings in this report" - Manchester bus priority scheme delivers significant boost

Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Developed and delivered between 2007 and 2017 by TfGM in partnership with Wigan, Manchester, Salford and Rochdale councils, the programme focused on three key routes connecting to Manchester city centre: the Leigh Guided Busway, Rochdale Road and Oxford Road.”

An evaluation report found that the scheme has delivered significant reliability and journey time benefits for bus passengers in the Wigan, Salford and Manchester with average morning journey times between Leigh and Manchester reduced by over a quarter.

Survey evidence indicates that bus patronage more than doubled, and up to 25% of passengers switched from car to bus travel, removing more than 600,000 trips per year from our roads since 2017.

There has also been a significant increase in the number of people using the dedicated walking, wheeling and cycling route alongside the busway, with 58% of users surveyed saying it had led to them living a more active lifestyle.

The report also said that the number of serious or fatal casualties on the A580 ‘corridor’ fell faster than across Greater Manchester as a whole during the analysis period – with a reduction of 63% compared to 15% for the city region.

Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, said: “This evaluation report demonstrates the positive impact for residents of investment in high quality public transport to deliver safe, frequent and reliable services.”

He said: “These schemes have enabled better access to homes, jobs, healthcare, education and to leisure destinations and further improvements have recently been delivered with the creation of the Bee Network, including the introduction of night buses to support workers and the night time economy.”

Adding: “Affordability of public transport has also been transformed. As a result of bringing buses under local control, fares have been reduced and held at £2 for an adult Hopper - enabling customers to change buses within an hour of their first tap without having to pay more - and delivering more convenient ‘Tap and Go’ contactless payment which guarantees the lowest fare."

Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council said: “I welcome the findings in this report which shows how a reliable and affordable bus services travelling through Salford can really reduce car journeys on key routes, helping to reduce congestion.”

He said: “As across Greater Manchester councils are striving through Vision Zero to eliminate deaths on our roads this report shows how huge reductions in those killed or seriously injured can be achieved.”

Adding: “Well done to all involved in making these services better for local people and lets continue with this hard work.”

Steven Cochrane, Partnerships Director for the Oxford Road Corridor Partnership, said: "The Bus Priority Programme has been a key driver in the transformation of the Oxford Road Corridor. It has enabled the creation of dedicated cycle lanes—now supporting well over a million journeys each year—improved safety, and unlocked land for new public realm and green spaces.”

Adding: “These enhancements have helped attract further investment and supported job growth within the Oxford Road Corridor. Improved connectivity supports our ambition to become a world-class knowledge quarter, linking residents across Greater Manchester to a wide range of educational and employment opportunities, world-leading specialist hospitals, and the cultural attractions along the Corridor."

The report also found that a high proportion of passengers (48%) said they were ‘very satisfied’ with their overall journey experience.