Dozens of bus routes linking communities across Greater Manchester have been saved from being axed or seeing services greatly reduced. More than 60 services were at risk of being pulled or having their timetables slashed from October as the government’s Covid recovery funding came to an end.
Commercial operators in Greater Manchester had identified a raft of unprofitable routes they intended to ditch completely - or run less often - sparking fears communities could be cut adrift if new deals could not be struck. Transport bosses ran a tender process last month in a bid to rescue vital services which people across the region rely on for work, employment, shopping and appointments.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has now confirmed contract awards to replace the 31 routes earmarked for withdrawal, while most of the 33 services set to be reduced in frequency or have routes changed will also be replaced. There are a small number of exceptions where alternative services are available.
