A BUS SERVICE familiar to Saddleworth is part of a huge change that has seen hundreds taken into the growing Bee Network.
And an Oldham-based operator has said, ‘That’s all, folks,’ after running its services for the final time.
The 356, which has passed through many of the area’s villages since its introduction in 2018, is one of those that switched on Sunday, January 5.

Also included in that list are several operated on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) by Stotts.
And the firm of more than 50 years, based on Lees Road in the Clarksfield area, said an emotional goodbye.
It said: “Thank you to each and every one of you for your kind words and photos – for the final time, it’s goodbye from Stotts Tours Oldham Ltd.
“Stotts would like to thank all their staff – past and present – for their amazing commitment to their roles be that a driver, cleaner, office staff, garage staff and all the team that helped us run each and every day that we could.
“We have a great team at Stotts and we will miss you all lots. It’s been an adventure that I am great full to have been on with you all.
“So, heads held high for the final run of it and be proud of all you have achieved – making Stotts the name that people will remember.”
A number services taking in different areas of Oldham – including the ‘Saddleworth Rambler’ – joined the Bee Network on January 5.
According to TfGM: “It means that Greater Manchester has made history as the first area outside London to bring all local bus services under local control in almost 40 years.
“It’s a huge change to the way things are run and we’re working hard to bring you safe, affordable, accessible services you can rely on.”
And it has added additional journeys to the number 76, which runs from Oldham Mumps to Manchester Piccadilly through Failsworth from Monday to Saturday, to keep a half hourly frequency until the last bus.
It has also extended Failsworth to Manchester services to and from Oldham, meaning they will be every 30 minutes – also during Sunday daytime.
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