THE introduction of the free Metroshuttle service around Bolton town centre is a welcome experiment scheduled to last 12 months.

I decided to try it out on the second day of operation — one that was fine and pleasant.

Boarding at the Bradshawgate end of Deansgate, I was the only passenger as the spick and span single-decker made its way along Bridge Street, St George’s Road, Knowsley Street, back on to Deansgate and Black Horse Street.

A chap with a stick got on near the bus station and got off with me when the 500 had travelled back to my Deansgate boarding point via Newport Street, Trinity Street and Bradshawgate.

The driver told me around 9.45am that there had been two other passengers that morning since 7.30am, and that there had been a total of 30 on his bus on the first day.

A slow start, obviously, but I think usage will increase once more people are aware of the new service, particularly on wet and miserable days when walking across town to the railway station, Ashburner Street market or the Market Place is not an attractive proposition.

As for me, I quite enjoyed taking a 20-minute touristy trip round my town and I found myself imagining that I was on an open top deck with a guide giving a commentary.

You know the sort of thing: “On your left is a statue of Fred Dibnah, the famous Bolton steeplejack loved by millions...”

Sadly, there was another tape running in my head.

It covered the proposed Victoria Hall development area, where nothing much seems to be happening, the St George’s church building needing a sale to a developer, the rubble still awaiting clearance marks the spot where the Odeon used to be, the long-shut Holy Trinity Church and closed shops and pubs waiting for some new entrepreneurs to materialise.

Perhaps the guide and commentary had better wait until all the promised developments have been completed.