HAVING been inundated with leaflets, posters, stickers on buses and bus stops and TV advertisements regarding congestion charges, I decided to try seeing what the TIF plans are all about before making any decision by December 11.
Having read the latest brochure that I received by post, entitled Public Transport Investment and the Congestion Charge — What it means for Bolton, I would like to comment on the following: Firstly, Bolton is to get a new bus station. This would be delivered sooner than previously planned as part of the investment proposals.
Does this mean that we were due to get one anyway? If so, why was so much money wasted on the Newport Street interchange?
Secondly, the document states that there will be additional train carriages across Greater Manchester to allow more journeys for an additional 2950 passengers in the morning peak period. This as well as the additional capital for 4,100 passengers which would be funded without the TIF.
Interestingly, it fails to mention how much would be allocated to Bolton or anything about evening peak times. However, looking on the positive, it does say Bolton station would undergo extensive improvements, which is good, especially as the toilets there are a disgrace.
Thirdly, there are several improvements to bus services mentioned on routes to Manchester, Bury and Rochdale etc, but what about our local bus services?
Some areas such as Morris Green only have an hourly service and none at all on Sundays. I am sure other Bolton areas are also bereft of a decent bus service.
Fourthly, a high quality cycle route along the old Bolton-Bury rail line is planned. If this can be done, why can’t we have trams along there?
It also states that Bolton residents will be able to access the enhanced Metrolink tram network, but it omits to mention you have to travel Manchester or Bury to catch a tram.
In conclusion I am no wiser and I still don’t know what it means for Bolton”.
I also wonder just how much money has been spent on “selling” the congestion charge to us.
Could that money have been spent on actually improving local public transport?
Margaret Platt, Westcourt Road, Great Lever
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