Bus services in Stockport could undergo a shake-up after passengers in part of the town complained of being left stranded. People in the Edgeley area raised concerns that the 328 circular service to Stockport - which also goes through Adswood and Cheadle - was often missing out the ‘Little Europe’ estate.
Enquiries by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) found this was due to bus operator Stagecoach sometimes having to use vehicles that were too heavy to cross the Stockholm Road. Instead the bus was heading straight up Edgeley Road - leaving passengers on Dale Street, Petersburg Road and Vienna Road ‘stranded without any notice’, according to ward councillor Matt Wynne.
But it now appears a solution has been found to the issue, with bosses promising only smaller vehicles will be used on the route from now on. And there could also be a bigger shake up to bus services in the area to improve things in the longer term.
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Nick Roberts, TfGM’s head of services and commercial development, said bosses had been aware of problems with the 328 since last year, and apologised for the inconvenience caused to residents. He added: “TfGM and Stagecoach have been working closely to address these concerns and an agreement has now been reached which will see smaller buses return to the 328 service, using vehicles from elsewhere in the fleet.
“This will ensure the correct route will now be operated at all times which previously had been missed when larger buses had been used due to weight restriction concerns. While this ensures a more reliable service in the short term, we acknowledge that a more permanent solution needs to be found and work on these proposals is ongoing with input from local councillors and residents.”
In an update on his Facebook page, Coun Wynne has posted details of the changes TfGM is proposing from April 15.
These include:
TfGM service 309.
This new service would broadly replace the existing 328 service route between Stockport and Cheadle and the existing 371 route between Cheadle and Stockport. It would run as per the current 328 route between Stockport and Cheadle, except it would run via Adswood Road direct and not via Bridge Hall which would be served by 312 (see below).
From Cheadle, buses would run via the existing 371 route to Edgeley via Grenville Street, then go around the Vienna Road loop before heading into Stockport via Castle Street, York Street, Chataham Street and King Street West. This service would operate every 60 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 120 minutes on evenings and Sundays
TfGM service 310
This new service would also partially replace services 328 and 371, operating via the reverse of the 309. It would operate every 60 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 120 minutes evenings and Sundays.
Both the 309 and 310 services would be ris using lightweight 32 seat vehicles to ensure compliance with restricted bridges. The timetable would be coordinated to provide ‘maximum benefit’.
Edgeley would get a 30 minute service both to Stockport and to Cheadle, and Demmings Road a 20/40 minute service to Stockport. In the evenings, Edgeley would continue to get a 60 minute co-ordinated service to both Stockport and Cheadle.
TfGM service 312
This new service would broadly replace the 328 service, providing the bulk of the capacity required across the route.
It would run as per the current route 328 route between Stockport and Councillor Lane, except it would run via Shaw Heath, Adswood Lane West and Adswood Road - not via Edgeley which would be served by services 309/310.
From Councillor Lane, buses would run direct to Cheadle and on to Cheadle Hulme. This service would operate every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 60 minutes on Sundays and evenings.
The 312 would generally operate with large capacity single decks or double decks.
TfGM service 323
This service would be withdrawn and replaced by changes to the 371, subject to a route check.
TfGM service 328
This service would be withdrawn and replaced by new services 309, 310 and 312.
TfGM service 371 (Stockport to Altrincham via Cheadle)
Buses would run via Heaton Mersey and East Didsbury, instead of via Edgeley, to replace services 323 and 375. This would provide numerous additional links including Heaton Mersey to East Didsbury, Cheadle and Altrincham as well as Gatley to East Didsbury.
TfGM service 375
This service would be curtailed on Monday to Friday, reverting back to operating Stockport to Mellor only, with Heaton Mersey covered by service 371, subject to a route check.
There are no proposed changes to services 11, 42B, 42C, 313 or 368 as part of this change.
Stagecoach apologises for issues
Coun Wynne says he is happy that transport bosses are taking the situation seriously.
“I'm glad that a local service review for Edgeley has been initiated by Transport for Greater Manchester in the face of what's happened with the new 328 route, compounded with the loss of service coverage in parts of Edgeley over the last decade,” he said.
“The proposal to restore a 309 / 310 circular service route which would cover the length and breadth of Edgeley using nippy and suitably sized vehicles. This is something I have been lobbying for since I was elected in 2019, so it's good when persistence pays off.”
However, he is now urgently gathering the views of local residents over the next few days before feeding back to TfGM.
“I'm happy with the proposals in the local service review in principle, but it's really important now to hear from Edgeley folk - particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues - and for them to get in touch ASAP if they have a comment or concern."
Stagecoach has apologised to customers affected by issues on some sections of the 328 routes.
A spokesperson said: “This has mainly been due to the availability of suitable vehicles that comply with the restrictions on the route. We've been working closely with TfGM and local Councillors and have proposed a solution that both resolves these issues and meets the needs of local residents.
“The proposal is currently being considered and we are hopeful that it can be implemented as soon as possible. Once confirmed, we will work with TfGM to publicise the changes to ensure those affected are aware."
Residents who wish to have their say on the proposals can contact:
Coun Matt Wynne - cllr.matt.wynne@stockport.gov.uk
Coun David Meller (Greater Manchester Transport Committee) - cllr.david.meller@stockport.gov.uk
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