MP vows to fight for better bus services

AN MP has started a campaign to improve bus services after a crucial route was scrapped.

The X35, which connected Ramsbottom to Manchester via Bury, was axed this month.

Bury North MP James Frith has launched a Better Buses for Bury campaign and has met with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Mr Frith said: “Many people have written to me expressing anger about the cancellation of the X35 service, which is the only direct bus from Ramsbottom and the north of Bury to Manchester and is well used.

“I’ve also received a number of complaints about poor service on other bus routes, particularly the 472 and 474 services.

“I expressed to the Mayor my disappointment and frustration with the poor service.

“I urged him to use the new powers which will soon be available to him to introduce new franchises with strict requirements on operators to deliver services to rural areas at affordable fares.”

Mayor Burnham said: “I know many residents in Bury and across Greater Manchester have frustrations about their local bus service.

“I’m committed to using the powers of the Mayor to get a better deal for bus users.”

First Manchester will continue to operate the 472 and 474 services, which link Ramsbottom and Holcombe Brook with Brandlesholme, Walmersley and Bury.

A spokesperson said: “As a consequence of changes with an associated school bus contract we are unfortunately no longer able to operate the X35 journeys connecting Walmersley and Manchester via Bury.

“Until now we’ve been able to operate the X35 service in a combined way with this contract, however, our submission to continue operating the school contract was unsuccessful and TfGM have awarded the contract to another operator.

“We have looked at other options to replace the X35 but we’ve been unable to find an alternative viable solution.”