Detailed analysis has shown that bus users in Walkden are likely to face service CUTS if the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid is approved – despite an expensive marketing campaign claiming the bid will lead to big improvements in bus services.
Walkden South Conservative Councillor Iain Lindley compared current bus provision in the local area with published TIF proposals provided by GMPTE, and found that in many cases local residents would be left with fewer buses than at present. He found:
- Bus users in Walkden currently have access to 18 direct bus services to Manchester on weekdays, but under the TIF proposals this will be cut to only 14 buses.
- Residents wanting to visit Worsley, Eccles or Salford Royal Hospital will see their bus service slashed by a third.
- Those wishing to travel to the Trafford Centre and Swinton would see a slight improvement but commuters to Bolton, Boothstown and Leigh will see no changes to bus frequency despite the massive investment.
- Residents wishing to travel in the evening or on a Sunday fare a little better, but improvements are limited and some routes are still set for service cuts.
Councillor Lindley said:
“Residents will be horrified to learn that after all the grand promises they will end up with even fewer buses than at present. They have been deliberately misled and I am disgusted that £3 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent on material that contains such deception. The TIF claims on bus improvements do not stand up even to basic scrutiny - local residents will pay through the nose for the TIF bid but will receive no benefit in return”
