A £2 million bus passenger-friendly scheme has been launched in Bolton.

Dr Brian Iddon officially opened the Quality Bus Corridor yesterday. The aim is to cut journey times and give commuters better information and facilities.

The bus-only lanes heading into the town centre on Derby Street have been in place since March this year but the launch gave the politician, councillors and bosses of First Manchester the opportunity to give their views on how effective the scheme has been.

Dr Iddon, MP for Bolton South-east, said the improvements were making public transport more enjoyable.

He added: "It's much needed, there's no doubt about that. People are not going to use buses if they are stuck in traffic jams on these main roads.

"This should encourage people to use the bus, especially for short journeys into the town centre."

Cllr Guy Harkin, Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, is also vice chair of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority which aims to improve bus and train routes in the county. He said: "The authority is committed to improving the reliability and overall quality of bus services in order to make the bus a viable alternative to travel by private car."

The work has taken place on sections of the bus route which runs from Bolton, through Atherton, and on to Leigh. Approximately 4km of the 12km route has been improved and work will start soon on the Wigan borough side of the project.

As well as the bus-only lanes, which have seen journey times reduced, new bus shelters and information plates have been built on Derby Road.

Simon Bennett, managing director of First Manchester (West), said the company had invested £50,000 so far into the Bolton side of the improved route, with other cash coming from some of its partners, including Bolton Council. It is hoped they will be rewarded with travel time savings of between 10 and 15 per cent.

He added: "We have seen some improvements but until the work is completed on the Wigan side we will not reach the target.

"After this, we would like to see the route from Manchester Road to Moses Gate and Farnworth improved and work carried out on the route which runs from Little Lever to Radcliffe and on to Bury. We can't yet put a date on when this could start."

Mr Bennett also said the company was considering putting cameras on the front of buses to stop motorists using the special lanes.

Driver Alan Follows, from Atherton, said the improvements had attracted more passengers on to his bus.

However, car drivers illegally pulling into the lane were causing him problems.

He said: "It's easier to get in and out of Bolton but we do have problems with drivers who pull into the lanes and lorries which load or unload while parked in them."