Salford buses set to be axed for new Busway

BUS services across west Salford are set to be slashed to make way for Leigh Guided Busway services.

The plans are set to cause more chaos for commuters across the serving communities.

First Bus have confirmed that five services will all be axed when the busway opens fully on April 3. Aside from a partial replacement for the 12 service, these services will not be replaced.

The 12, 25, 26, First-run X34 and the 39 night bus will all be axed.

Councillor Iain Lindley, Conservative Councillor for Walkden South, said: “Bus services that actually serve local communities are being slashed to make way for misguided busway services heading straight down the A580 away from where most people live.

“It’s very clear now and a very bitter irony that unless you live within short walking distance of the busway itself, your bus service will actually get worse when the busway opens.”

How the changes will affect your local community

Walkden and Little Hulton: Reduction in services into Manchester as the 12 is replaced by the new 35 service which will terminate at Swinton outside peak hours. Night services to Manchester (39) and Bolton (36) are withdrawn.

Roe Green: Reduction in services into Manchester as the 12 is replaced by the new 35 service which will terminate at Swinton outside peak hours.

Moorside and Broadoak Park: The 12, 25 and 26 are cut, replacement 35 will only travel to Swinton and will be half as frequent as the old 12/25/26 timetable.

Worsley Village: Significantly reduced service following withdrawal of 25 and 26 buses. No service to Manchester via Swinton town centre. No evening service to Swinton town centre at all. Services along Leigh Road to Boothstown cut in half.

Boothstown: Reduction in services with withdrawal of the 25, 26 and the First-run X34; fewer buses to Manchester and along Leigh Road to Worsley village. No direct service to Swinton town centre.

Swinton: Reduction in town centre services with fewer buses into Manchester and poorer connections to west Salford.

By Callum Matthews
@matthews1818