Vital bus service saved from axe
PLANS to cut a vital transport link to and from Ramsbottom have been partially halted after a backlash from residents and councillors.
The bus company First Manchester had originally proposed to withdraw the X35 service, which links Edenfield, Stubbins, Ramsbottom, Holcombe Brook and Manchester city centre.
But following discussions with residents and councillors, First Bus have decided to continue the bus, but with a reduced service, with four limited stop journeys instead of the current eight. Ramsbottom councillor Ian Bevan had emphasised to First Bus how important the service was to residents in the north of the borough.
He said: “It has been stressed to First how important this link from Bury North to the City Centre is and requested that they look at alternatives.”
The new timetable will be in place from September 4 until January 2017, to allow for ongoing discussions to take place on the long-term viability of alternative options that are under consideration.
Ian Humphreys, head of commercial for First Manchester, said: “We’ve listened to feedback from our customers and have been a able to introduce a revised X35 timetable that will give us the time to review the service and consult with partners to look at all available options.”
Councillor Noel Bayley, Bury’s Transport for Greater Manchester representative, described the change as ‘terrific news’.
He said: “I’m especially pleased that First has listened to its customers’ concerns and we have reached a compromise to ensure that this service will continue to operate in such a way as to bring a benefit to both the bus company and its customers.”
Fellow Ramsbottom councillor Rob Hodkinson said: “The new timetable has been welcomed obviously because a lot of people use it to get into Manchester.
“It’s good news for the travelling public that use that service. Absolutely it’s good that it’s not being cut completely.”
The changes, which are subject to final approval from the Traffic Commissioner, will provide two journeys in the Manchester direction in the morning peak, and two journeys in the Ramsbottom and Edenfield direction in the afternoon peak. CONTACT: CHARLOTTE GREEN OFFICE: 0161 211 2469 MOBILE: 07342 080524 @CharGreenMEN charlotte.green@trinitymirror.com ●● Ramsbottom Councillors Ian Bevan and Rob Hodkinson have fought to save the bus service