Let the buses take the strain

Transport bosses hope new express bus services will prevent commuter chaos when the Oldham-loop railway line closes for two-and-a-half years.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) has backed plans for express and regular bus services to bridge the gap while the Rochdale to Manchester line, via Oldham, is converted to run Metrolink trams.

The last ever train will rumble along the line on Saturday 3 October, leaving hundreds of rail passengers needing to find alternative transport during the Metrolink extension project. The proposals have been developed following a detailed study of rail users’ travel patterns and aim to provide a range of bus services tailored to local travel needs.

Discussions are ongoing with bus operators and, once the talks are complete, a major public information campaign will be launched in the summer.

Chairman of GMITA’s Development and Operations Committee Richard Knowles, said: “We’re very much aware of the need to ensure there are regular, reliable transport options for passengers while we eagerly await the completion of Metrolink to Oldham and Rochdale.

“A great deal of careful consideration and planning has gone into developing these bus plans, all informed by passenger surveys. I am confident the services will offer realistic travel options for people along the loop line.

“Along with Northern Rail, we are also making the case to the Department for Transport to use trains currently running on the loop line to supplement services between Manchester and Rochdale.

“We are now going to work with bus operators to finalise our proposals so that we can launch a major information campaign in the coming months.”

Trams will be running to Rochdale by spring 2012.

New Metrolink stops will be built at Freehold, Newbold and outside Rochdale railway station on the Oldham and Rochdale line.