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Thursday, 14 September 2006Environmental first for Bolton public transport service
A door-to-door public transport service in Bolton, funded by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, has become the first in the county to use a vehicle which runs on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
East Bolton Local Link collects people from outside their home to travel anywhere in the local area as well as to the Royal Bolton Hospital. The service's new #35,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus has been converted to run on LPG, which is much better for the environment than petrol or diesel.
LPG engines produce up to 90% fewer harmful smoke particles than diesel engines and are much cheaper to run. Councillor Nick Peel, the Bolton spokesperson for the Authority, said: "Local Link provides a massive benefit to people in East Bolton. It helps them get out and about to visit friends, reach local health facilities, or take advantage of other public transport services in the area.
"I'm pleased it's become the first Local Link service in Greater Manchester to use a minibus with an LPG engine. The new vehicle will be much better for the environment and keep the cost of running the service down.
"It's vital that people are able to easily reach appointments at the Royal Bolton Hospital using affordable public transport. East Bolton Local Link acts as a lifeline for those living in areas where there is a low demand for conventional bus services."
Nigel Palmer, Divisional Manager for Facilities at the Royal Bolton Hospital, added: "This is an excellent service for patients, visitors and staff and we're pleased that this is the first Local Link service to utilise environmentally-friendly fuel. The hospital is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and this service is in keeping with that."
East Bolton Local Link, which is operated by Telecars, serves Tonge Moor, Breightmet, Darcy Lever, The Haulgh and Hall i' th' Wood. People share the transport with other passengers and can use the service seven days a week between 6am and 10pm.
It is the third Local Link service to operate in the borough. Barrow Bridge Local Link and Daubhill and Deane Local Link launched last year and there are now a total of 25 Local Link services in Greater Manchester.
The adult fare for a local journey is #1.70 for a single or #2.80 for a return. The concessionary fare is 70p for a single or #1.30 for a return. Fares to and from the Royal Bolton Hospital cost #2 for a single journey or #3 for a return. The concessionary fare is 80p for a single or #1.40 for a return.
Passengers can book one or more trips by calling 01204 364 566 at least one hour before they want to travel. The booking centre is open 24 hours a day. People with wheelchairs or child buggies should inform the booking centre so that a suitable vehicle can be provided.
Detailed information on all public transport services in Greater Manchester is available on the GMPTE website (www.gmpte.com) or by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Lines are open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 8pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays. Textphone users should ring 0870 241 2216.
Media contact: Jonathan Morgan or David Harris on 0161 242 6245, or by email at communications@gmpte.gov.uk
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