Bus services improve

BUS service frequencies are being increased across Oldham and Saddleworth from the New Year.

Saddleworth residents are celebrating a successful campaign to have the 180 service to Greenfield double in frequency from hourly to half-hourly, Monday to Saturday during the day from January 28.

Other improvements include the 184 Uppermill-to-Manchester service, which will remain at three buses an hour but at better-spaced intervals. The Sunday service will be increased during shopping hours from one to three buses an hour. There will also be extra 180 and 184 services mid-evening to cater for evening shoppers and additional early journeys on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Campaigners for improvements to the Saddleworth services have broadly welcomed the changes

Elsewhere, the 425 Holts and Fitton Hill service will increase in frequency at off peak times from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes.

The 83 Sholver service will have faster journey times and additional early Sunday morning journeys introduced, while the 408 Buckstones-to-Stalybridge service will be retimed at peak times to improve timekeeping.

First are also considering other issues raised at a Saddleworth and Lees consultation event for possible implementation in April, 2014.