Bus services in Oldham and Greater Manchester have reduced by as much as 56% in the last decade

Bus services in Greater Manchester have been reduced dramatically in the last decade according to recent figures uncovered by the University of Leeds and Friends of the Earth.  The research shows that bus frequency is down 33% across the Greater Manchester region which is serviced by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). 

For Oldham, the figure is 36% and in some parts of the borough, like Shaw, the figure is a shocking 56%. 

Shaw representative and Greater Manchester Transport Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “These figures show just how hollowed out our public transport services have become.”

“We have the tram, which provides a vital service to people in Shaw and across Oldham.  But people also rely on local bus services.  Especially the elderly, those who are disabled and young people.”

“Over recent years it has been a constant battle to try to maintain the local services we have.  People have sadly gotten used to seeing reduced services and chaotic changes to timetables.”

“It remains to be seen how Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s recent move to take bus services back into public ownership will impact these issues.  Will he and TfGM seize the opportunity to reverse this decline?  Or can residents in Oldham and Greater Manchester expect more of the same? 

NOTES:
University of Leeds & Friends of the Earth report in full:
Bus services outside London plummet – new research   | Friends of the Earth