2016: The Launch of a Bus Rapid Transit Service in England

April 3, 2016

A bus rapid transit (BRT) system in England’s ceremonial county of Greater Manchester was inaugurated. A section of this system has the distinction of being the first guided busway – a dedicated, buses-only route – to operate in northwestern England. There is a multi-user path alongside this guided section for bicyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders; the path also provides access as needed for emergency vehicles.

This BRT system in its entirety measures 13.7 miles (22 kilometers) in length. This system’s purple-liveried buses serve as links between the following parts of Greater Manchester:

• The towns of Leigh and Atherton in the metropolitan borough of Wigan;
• The market town of Tyldesley (likewise in Wigan);
• The suburb of Ellenbrook in the city of Sanford; and
• Manchester City Centre, the central business district of the city and metropolitan borough of Manchester.

The aims and ambitions for the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Bus Rapid Transit were highlighted at the time of its opening by Andrew Fender, chair of Transport for Greater Manchester. (Transport for Greater Manchester is the governing body responsible for coordinating public transportation services throughout that ceremonial county.)  “Being able to finally welcome passengers aboard is a marvelous milestone in our commitment to make travel easier for everyone,” proclaimed Fender. “By prioritizing buses we not only make journey times quicker, more reliable and more attractive for passengers, we also help to tackle congestion and reduce emissions.”

Fender further noted, “Completion of the busway is a major technical achievement and our investment promises a significant boost for all the communities it serves, helping people reach key employment, healthcare, and retail and leisure facilities more easily than ever. I am grateful to those communities for their patience while the scheme was being completed.”

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Bus Rapid Transit, please check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leigh-Salford-Manchester_Bus_Rapid_Transit