“Bring back the 167 bus service” says MP

Elsie Blundell MP

‘Direct to Manchester’ to support growth, jobs, schools and new housing - that’s what people want, says Heywood and Middleton North MP about local bus services.

Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, is making the request after a survey gives a new insight into how local residents use bus services. Elsie Blundell has used the data in a submission to transport bosses at Transport for Greater Manchester, calling for the 167 express service to Manchester to be reinstated.

“The survey found that the single biggest thing passengers want to see is a fast, direct, service to Manchester from Heywood and Middleton and the towns around. It would make it easier to access jobs in the city centre, promote public transport for new housing in the area and help students go to/from Edgar Wood school,” says Elsie Blundell.

“The 167 brings benefits in several different ways,” Elsie continues, “it’s a dream service in that way, and would be a big win for the area and the Bee Network.”

The survey also revealed how much interest there is in using bus services more, with over 80% saying they would use buses more if they improved. In contrast, three quarters of bus users thought services were currently ‘bad’.

“It shows that if we can improve services around Heywood and Middleton North, there is a huge appetite to use buses more, reducing congestion on the roads for everyone.

"Devolution has made the Bee Network successful, allowing Mayor Burnham to make the local investment we need, and this is an example of a transformational service we can introduce now.”

Elsie sums up, “Swift action is needed to address the significant transport challenges which impede the lives of my constituents.

"Most of my constituents do not have easy access to the rail or Metrolink network, and it is therefore critical that they have confidence in the reliability of local bus services, that routes are well planned, meet their travel needs to key destinations and are safe and reliable.

"Far too many people across Heywood and Middleton North feel that the benefits enjoyed by commuters and travellers in other parts of Greater Manchester do not extend to them – despite the role that both towns play in the city- region’s continued growth and development. “