Proposed cuts to bus services in Stockport could have a ‘devastating’ effect, a borough transport chief has warned. Government funding helped to keep bus services going during the pandemic, as plummeting passenger numbers put them at risk.
But that emergency cash is set to be pulled from October - and commercial operators in Greater Manchester have identified dozens of unprofitable services they intend to axe completely or run less often. In Stockport, nine services are earmarked for the chop, while a further five would operate at a reduced frequency.
However, a plan to save the routes and maintain services levels has been hatched by local leaders. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is currently working on retendering contracts, with funding from existing budgets and the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
