IT is yellow, red and black, takes 20 minutes to travel around the town centre and has been hailed a “tremendous achievement” for Bolton.

The Metroshuttle service, two buses which will operate on a 20-minute circular route, was unveiled yesterday.

They will provide a free shuttle service, stopping at 11 points in the town centre.

Cliff Morris, Bolton Council’s leader, and Norman Critchley, transport spokesman for the town’s Conservative group, put politics to one side to become the first passengers on the Number 500 Metroshuttle.

And speaking after their journey, both councillors said it was just what Bolton town centre needed.

Cllr Morris, said: “I think, based on that journey, it’s going to go very well and is a tremendous achievement for the council.”

Cllr Critchley, Bolton’s Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive representative, said: “This has come at exactly the right time with Christmas round the corner and is a tremendous boon for Bolton. It will provide people with an important link between the interchange and all the main shopping areas.”

The two shuttle buses, painted in distinctive yellow, red and black, will operate on an 11-stop route clockwise around the town centre, dropping off near key shopping areas.

They will run every ten minutes on weekdays, from 7.30am to 6pm, and on Saturdays, between 8.30am and 5.30pm. The £200,000 trial will run for 12-months, but it could operate permanently if enough people use it and it attracts more shoppers to the town.

The council has also said it will consider expanding the route to include St Peter’s Way, Topp Way, Marsden Way and Trinity Street if the service is a success.

Despite a quiet start, both councillors said they were confident the shuttle buses would be well used.

Cllr Critchley said: “The only other free shuttle service in the area is in Manchester and that took time to get going, but is now very well patronised. I’m hoping Bolton will be the same.”

Cllr Morris, added: “It will take time for people to realise it’s here, but the publicity and word-of-mouth will mean it should be well-used. If I came into town shopping with my wife I’d be more than willing to use it."