SADDLEWORTH TRAVELLERS are benefitting from a number of changes to bus services put in place at the end of January.
The alterations came after public consultation drop-in sessions held by First Bus across the villages and Lees in partnership with Saddleworth Parish Council and Transport for Greater Manchester.
After taking on board feedback, changes and improvements to the 180 and 184 serviceshave been made.
On Mondays to Saturdays, buses on service 180 to Greenfield now run every 30 minutes for most of the day.
And the mid-evening service from Manchester on service 184 has been improved to cater for late night shoppers or commuters.
On Saturday mornings, earlier journeys on service 184 have been introduced, replacing journeys that currently start at Oldham or Hollinwood:
- From Oldham Mumps to Piccadilly: 0448 and 0518
- From Manchester to Huddersfield: 0530
- From Manchester to Diggle: 0600
And on Sunday mornings, earlier journeys on service 184 have been introduced, replacing journeys that currently start at Hollinwood:
- From Oldham Mumps to Piccadilly: 0641
- From Manchester to Uppermill: 0720
Also on Sundays, service 184 to Uppermill has been improved as buses now run up to three times an hour.
Ian Hulse, Business Manager for First in Oldham, said: “We value what people tell us and feedback from the travelling public is always welcome to ensure we can improve delivery of our services.
“These changes in the Saddleworth area show we are listening and are committed to improving the customer experience on our buses, which will help lead to passenger growth.”
The news follows the successful Route 180 Bus Campaign and submission to First Bus ofa 500-plus name petition organised by Richard Knowles and OMBC Councillor John McCann.
Mr Knowles said First Bus compounded last year’s service cut by belatedly including a Bus Survey consultation in Greenfield last month after pressure from the Greenfield Bus Campaign but then failing to collect completed survey forms from Greenfield Library.
In response to the changes, Mr Knowles, a retired Councillor and former Oldham Mayor, said: “Reinstating Greenfield’s half hourly 180 service to Oldham and Manchester is fantastic news.
“Local bus users were enraged by last year’s cut by First Bus in theGreenfield/Oldham/Manchester 180 bus service to hourly frequency.
“The Route 180 Bus Campaign has now succeeded in persuading First Bus to reinstate the half-hourly frequency which is a vital connection for many local residents.”
A full list of service changes can be found at www.firstgroup.com/manchester
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