howardsykes – Page 160

Following representation by your local Liberal Democrat Councillors in Shaw and Crompton we did manage to get some changes to the original proposals.

TfGM have seen a massive increase in tender prices across the Oldham area in recent months which led to much higher scrutiny being placed on expiring contracts.

They carried out a full review of contracts expiring in April 2020 (which included service 403) and devised a new network which included major changes to service 403, as follows:

Revised route – running from Oldham, via Royal Oldham Hospital & Dr Kershaws Hospice (Turf Lane) to Shaw then following a revised anti-clockwise route via Buckstones and Cowlishaw back to Shaw then back to Oldham.
No longer serving Rushcroft or High Crompton (where services 59, 408 and 435 provide alternatives)
Reduced frequency – from every 30 minutes to hourly
Reduced times of operation – from 0930 to 1430 (allowing the bus to also run a local school bus service)

Overall, while these and other network changes across Oldham reduced the number of buses required (by 4) contract costs were held at similar levels to the expiring contracts.

This change was initially reported to GMTCs January 2020 meeting but deferred.

Subsequently, a meeting took place (I believe, set up by Cllr Williamson) on 11^th February between 6 local Councillors and James Lewis & Nick Roberts from TfGM.

At that meeting, the proposal was discussed and it was agreed the proposal would be revised so that Rushcroft and High Crompton would continue to be served, along with Cowlishaw, but the service would be removed from Buckstones.

Service 435 would be revised to run back towards Shaw, from Buckstones via Scarr Lane, Linney Lane and Milnrow Road. However, Hannerton Road, Laneside, Rivington Drive and Kendal Drive would no longer be served.

This proposal was reported to GMTC’s February meeting and approved.

Service 403 will be operated by Stotts Tours.

Timetable leaflets are currently being produced.