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Friday, 24 February 2006Transport chiefs restore historic Manchester bus link

Moss Side's bus users are celebrating today after Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority stepped in to restore historic bus links to Longsight.

The 53 bus service, which had been running between the areas for some 80 years, was rerouted away from Moss Side by bus operator First at the end of January, causing outcry amongst local residents.

The Authority has a limited budget to provide socially necessary bus services in areas not served by the commercial bus network. At today's meeting of its Transport Network Committee, members agreed to fund a replacement daytime 54 service on a six month trial.

From Monday 6 March the new 54 service will run from Hulme to Moss Side and Longsight, providing new links to the Hulme ASDA, the Medical Centre and the Zion Centre. The service will run every half hour during the daytime, Monday to Saturday. Councillor Andrew Fender, Manchester spokesperson for the Authority, welcomed today's announcement: "I am extremely pleased that the Committee has given the go ahead for the six month trial of a new 54 service.

"The old 53 bus route provided a cross city service that allowed Moss Side residents to get out to education and leisure facilities as well as reaching Longsight Market. When this link was lost at the end of February there was outcry amongst local residents, who held a public meeting and organised a petition to voice the strength of their opposition to the changes.

"As well as restoring these links the new 54 service will also provide a valuable local transport service to take people to shopping, health and leisure facilities in Hulme. We believe that the demand is there for this new route and I urge people to make good use of it over the next six months so that we can guarantee its future."

Bus operator First rerouted the 53 service from 29 January, withdrawing it from Great Western Street, Princess Road, Moss Lane East, Moss Lane West and Chorlton Road.

It now provides improved links from East Manchester, Longsight and Hulme to Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester University and Salford Quays.

Full information on all Greater Manchester bus, train and tram services is available by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Lines are open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm at weekends. Textphone users should ring 0870 241 2216.

Media contact: Becky Marr or Rob Pett on 0161-242 6245, or by email at communications@gmpte.gov.uk

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