Changes to how people book local bus service

Local Link is a flexible public transport service for local journeys and connects people with key destinations, as well as other modes of transport.

Customers who require journeys from 30 October are now asked to contact Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), rather than the operator, to register with Local Link and to book. This streamlines the booking process and ensures customers have one point of contact for all enquiries.

Trips on Local Link can be booked up to a week in advance but must be booked at least one hour before you want to travel.

In addition to this, from Sunday, Local Link will use minibuses instead of taxis, allowing more passengers to be picked up for each journey.

The changes affect the following Local Link services:

East Bolton Local Link, which operates in the Tonge Moor Mill Hill, Breightmet, Darcy Lever, Bradshaw, Rose Hill and Back O’ Th’ Bank areas of Bolton and serves Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton Interchange and Moses Gate Rail Station.

North Bolton Local Link, which operates in the Astley Bridge, Bank Top, Bradshaw, Bromley Cross, Sharples and Eagley areas of North Bolton.

Daubhill and Deane Local Link which operates in the Daubhill, Deane, Lever Edge and Hunger Hill areas of Bolton.

Howard Hartley, head of bus at TfGM, said: “Anyone can use Local Link and it’s an ideal way to get around. For example, you can use it to travel between your workplace or home and the nearest train station.

“Many people rely on the service and we want to ensure that those who currently organise journeys with a taxi company are aware of the new booking process: if you’re booking to travel before October 30, call your operator direct; if you’re booking to travel on October 30 or after, call us.”

Local Link services operate across Greater Manchester. To register with Local Link and to book a journey from Sunday, visit tfgm.com/buses/local_link/Pages/index.html or call 0161 200 6012.