Latest figures show that 71,626 passenger journeys were made on the V1, V2 and V4 services during the first week of December – the first time the figures have passed the 70,000 mark for a single week.
The figures are further evidence of the growing popularity of the services, following the announcement in April this year that over three million passenger journeys have been made on services using the Leigh to Ellenbrook Guided Busway over the past year.
*Research also shows that a growing number of commuters have made the switch from car to busway, which is positive news in terms of improving air quality and reducing congestion.
Operated by First Manchester, the service launched in April 2016 and has clocked up 7.8 million journeys in its first three years.
The figures come just weeks after it was revealed more than 3 million journeys have been made by Our Pass holders in the scheme’s first three months.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said: “Buses are the backbone of our transport network and integral to our future plans for a London-style, integrated system for Greater Manchester.
“The success and ever-increasing popularity of the guided busway, coupled with the uptake of Our Pass, shows that if you provide people with an attractive and viable alternative to the car, then they will use it.”
