Bus axe plans
routes, timetables and set fare levels.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has no say in how these services are run, and is not responsible for planning and coordinating the bus network.
TfGM financially supports around 20 per cent of Greater Manchester’s bus services, which run at times of the day and in areas where there is a social need.
The M.E.N. reported earlier this month how a staggering eight million miles of bus routes had been lost from the network over just four years.
But Coun Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said buses remained the ‘backbone’ of the transport network.
He added: “Where commercial operators decide to stop running a service we have an important role to play in paying for services where there is a social need, so that access to education, healthcare and jobs is maintained.”
But he said the budget was under ‘severe pressure,’ adding: “We have reached the point where it is now very difficult to plug the gaps created by sudden decisions by bus operators to cease services. This will be the primary consideration of members when these proposals are discussed at next week’s Bus Networks and TfGM Services subcommittee.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said it had become clear how important the 88 was to passengers, adding: “It’s important that those who depend on this service aren’t left high and dry and I’m pleased that an alternative option has been identified and is being put forward so quickly.
“What this saga once again painfully demonstrates is the absolute need to reform the bus market in Greater Manchester, so that the public’s interests are put first.”
He said he would use the Bus Bill - giving leaders great power over how they are run - to drive ‘major improvements.’
A spokeswoman for First Manchester said: “We took the decision to withdraw some of our services from the 8th April to allow us to allocate more resources to our remaining routes.
“We believe the section of route that will no longer be served by the 88 will be covered by other bus services or a TfGM tender.”