THE first fast-track bus route in Greater Manchester is to run along the 13 kilometre corridor from Bolton to Leigh.

The £1.5m development is part of the Quality Bus Routes programme designed to make bus travel quicker, easier and an attractive alternative to the car by giving them their own lane at peak periods and freeing them from traffic congestion.

And as one of the busiest routes in Greater Manchester, the 582, which travels through Daubhill, to Atherton, Howe Bridge and onto Leigh, has been chosen to pilot the scheme.

Buses currently face delay by kerbside loading and unloading in the towns' shopping areas and cars parked on the roadside but this will end by establishing bus only lanes on the majority of the route, with dedicated parking bays alongside to allow residents and shoppers to park.

Other improvements include traffic signals being activated on a bus's approach so it gets the green light and priority through the junction, and the siting of bus stops is being reviewed to ensure they are in the best place for passengers.

As part of a consultation exercise, information packages explaining the changes have been distributed to 6,000 homes and businesses along with a questionnaire and details of exhibitions and public meetings.

Bill Tyson, GMPTE's special projects co-ordinator, said: "The purpose of the consultation exercise is to see what people think of our proposals, find out what problems they have with the service and how it can be dealt with.

"We have identified 20 routes covering 200km throughout the county which we believe need to be improved."

"And working as a partnership with the council and bus operators we can make this work."

Anyone who would like to find out more can go to exhibitions in the Crush Hall at Bolton Town Hall on Saturday, November 7, from 10am to 4pm and Monday, November 9, 10am to 6pm; Heathfield Primary School, Henniker Lane, Bolton, from Tuesday, November 10 to Thursday, November 12, 4pm to 7pm.

And you are invited to have your say at a public meeting at Bolton Town Hall on Monday, November 9 at 7.30pm where representatives from the council, GMPTE and bus operators will be available to answer your questions.

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