New analysis has revealed the wide-ranging benefits from the bus priority schemes across Salford delivering significant boosts for passengers.
The Priority Programme includes quicker journey times, safer roads, higher levels of passenger satisfaction and a boost to local economies.
Developed and delivered between 2007 and 2017 by TfGM in partnership with Wigan, Manchester, Salford and Rochdale councils, the programme focused on three key routes connecting to Manchester city centre.
The routes include the Leigh Guided Busway, Rochdale Road and Oxford Road.
Monitored since its launch, an evaluation report went to the Bee Network Committee on Thursday (May 29).
The bus priority scheme has delivered significant reliability and journey time benefits for bus passengers in the Wigan, Salford and Manchester with average morning journey times between Leigh and Manchester reduced by over a quarter – from 65 minutes in 2013, to less than 50 minutes.
There has also been a significant increase in the number of people using the dedicated walking, wheeling and cycling route alongside the busway, with 58% of users surveyed saying it had led to them living a more active lifestyle.
A recent survey estimated that over a third of a million trips were made on the path in 2023.
The study also showed that there has also been growth in bus patronage and people choosing to switch from driving to travelling by bus.
Survey evidence indicates that patronage more than doubled, and up to 25% of passengers switched from car to bus travel, removing more than 600,000 trips per year from our roads since 2017.
Following the report, Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council said.
“I welcome the findings in this report which shows how a reliable and affordable bus services travelling through Salford can really reduce car journeys on key routes, helping to reduce congestion.”
He continued: “As across Greater Manchester councils are striving through Vision Zero to eliminate deaths on our roads this report shows how huge reductions in those killed or seriously injured can be achieved.”
“Well done to all involved in making these services better for local people and lets continue with this hard work.”
This was furthered by Vernon Everitt, Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, said: “This evaluation report demonstrates the positive impact for residents of investment in high quality public transport to deliver safe, frequent and reliable services.
“These schemes have enabled better access to homes, jobs, healthcare, education and to leisure destinations and further improvements have recently been delivered with the creation of the Bee Network.”
Vernon continued: “Affordability of public transport has also been transformed. As a result of bringing buses under local control, fares have been reduced and held at £2 for an adult Hopper.
“Enabling customers to change buses within an hour of their first tap without having to pay more. and delivering more convenient ‘Tap and Go’ contactless payment which guarantees the lowest fare.”
This approach is now serving as a template for improvements in other areas of Greater Manchester – for more information the evaluation report can be found here.
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