Bus services being altered across Bolton

12:13pm Friday 21st March 2008

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BUS cuts and service withdrawals have hit a nerve with public transport campaigners.

News regarding changes to bus services across Bolton could mean residents will have to make permanent alterations to their day.

From March 30, a number of amendments will be introduced by FirstGroup to some of the busiest routes between Bolton and Manchester.

The number 8 service, which used to operate between the town and the city every eight minutes, will now revert to every 10 minutes.

The number 36 service, also a popular route between Bolton and Manchester via Little Hulton and Walkden, will be re-timed to operate five minutes earlier on two morning journeys. Service 534 has been withdrawn.

Preva Crossley, from Great Lever, a member of Greater Manchester Transport Campaign, says this commercial decision can only be to save money.

He said: "I object to any buses being cut. I'm very disappointed that the number 8 service has been cut when it is the busiest, and quickest route between Bolton and Manchester.

"My argument is, with the increasing number of people using the bus service, why cut them? It is obviously a commercial decision for the only reason I can see, to save money."

Other services affected by the changes are services 516, 553 and 559 which will now be provided by an alternative operator. Service 540 meanwhile has been improved.

Simon Bennett, network director for FirstGroup, said: "This time of the year is one of the five opportunities when, by agreement with our partners, we can introduce changes to enhance our network in order to deliver added reliability for customers."

Mr Crossley, who has no local link during the evening due to his usual 570 service terminating from 7pm onwards, said: "I would like to see more and more services introduced on a fair proportion. What we need is a guaranteed reliable service. Bus operators should put more thought into drawing up their timetables to allow more leeway for traffic, and possible delays."