Manchester free-for-all bus spreads to neighbouring Bolton

19 November 2008

Free Metroshuttle buses, pioneered in Manchester city centre, were launched in Bolton this week.

Two 25-seat single-decker buses will run on the new service every 10 minutes between 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.30am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Passengers can pick up the buses at 11 stops on a 1.6-mile circular route.

The service – run by north Manchester bus company Bluebird – is being paid for by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (£150,000) and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (£50,000).

Metroshuttle has been running in Manchester for six years, and remains the largest free city-centre bus service in Britain.

Plans to introduce similar services in all of Greater Manchester’s towns were announced by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat administration in May. Stockport is likely to follow before the end of the year, and PTA policy chairman, Councillor Keith Whitmore, said all 10 district councils had now expressed interest in setting up the service.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login