Transport for Greater Manchester and local councils are developing plans for quicker, more reliable and more accessible bus journeys in Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton town centres.
Proposals also include measures to create safer and more accessible walking, cycling, and wheeling routes.
The Work will focus on the A627 and A671, the main route linking the four towns and is planned between now and 2027.
The plans build on the improvements already brought forward under the Bee Network, where bus services in these areas are now more reliable than under the deregulated system and vehicles are newer, cleaner and more accessible.
This includes the 409 service which serves the entire Rochdale-Oldham-Ashton corridor. The most used Bee Network service in north east Greater Manchester, it has continually improved reliability since it came under local control in March last year. It is also one of five services that, from 23 February, will benefit from the addition of 10 extra buses to improve reliability across those routes.
Stephen Rhodes. TfGM’s Director of Bus, said: “These proposals are designed to improve journeys in and between Royton and Oldham for all road users and pedestrians, and have been shaped by the feedback we received from the public during previous engagement exercises.
“We know people want their bus journeys to be more reliable, comfortable and convenient and what we are putting forward aims to achieve that, while also making it easier and safer for those who choose to walk, cycle or wheel to their destinations.
“I would urge people in Oldham and Royton to have their says on these proposals so we can ensure their views are taken into account and deliver the improvements that will benefit these town centres.”
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “These proposals are an important step towards improving travel in Oldham and Royton, making bus services faster, more reliable and safer for everyone.
I am pleased to see plans that also support active travel, helping to create a more connected and sustainable transport system.
The feedback we receive from residents will be vital in shaping these proposals, and I encourage all residents to get involved in the consultation to ensure the final plans reflect the needs of our community, whether you’re walking, cycling or using public transport.”
The engagement and consultation periods on the proposals for Oldham and Royton respectively run until 31 March 2025.
People can have their say on the Oldham proposals online here:
https://www.gmconsult.org/transport-for-greater-manchester/oldham
There are also the following drop-in sessions
- Oldham Town Centre (Spindles Shopping Centre)
- Date: Tuesday 25th Feb
- Time: 2pm to 6pm
- Date: Tuesday 11th March
- Time: 10am to 2pm
People can have their say on the Royton proposals online here:
https://www.gmconsult.org/transport-for-greater-manchester/royton
There are also the following drop-in sessions
- Royton Library
- Date: Thursday 27th Feb (to tie in with Market Day)
- Time: 11am to 3pm
- Date: Thursday 6th March (to tie in with Market Day)
- Time: 2pm to 6pm
People can request a paper copy of either survey – or either survey in an alternative language – via [email protected] which can be returned to TfGM at Transport for Greater Manchester 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG.
Alternatively complete a survey over the phone by ringing 0161 244 1000 between Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm and Weekends and Bank Holidays: 8am to 8pm.
More information on proposals to improve journeys in Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton can be found here:
https://tfgm.com/projects/improving-journeys/rochdale-oldham-ashton
