A HIGH speed cross-country bus route could provide the answer to rush hour snarl-ups.

Getting to work on time could be taken for granted by commuters if ideas of an ex-rail route busway between Leigh and Manchester get off the ground.

Atherton Cllr Joe Clarke, chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, has applauded the idea.

He said:"We are now on track to making wide-ranging and wholesale improvements for the travelling public.

"Studies are continuing into the provision of a busway between Leigh and the M62 via Tyldesley to help solve long-standing transport problems."

Ideas being considered to get people around with maximum efficiency include building a busway between Leigh, Tyldesley and Manchester.

The uprooted rail route between the towns has long been earmarked for re-opening to get Leigh - the largest off-track conurbation within the county - back on line.

A Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive spokesman said:"It is far cheaper to build a busway than re-lay a rail link, but that doesn't preclude a rail link in the future.

"A busway or guided buses would be similar to Metrolink without the rails."

Benefits would include greater access to public transport, journey times competitive with car travel, more comfort and reduced waiting times.

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