90 bus routes to be reinstated to pre-Covid timetables

A total of 90 subsidised routes were scaled back in late March as passenger numbers plummeted, and social distancing was introduced

Greater Manchester bus services that were reduced during the early weeks of the coronavirus lockdown will soon return to business as usual.

A total of 90 subsidised routes were scaled back in late March as passenger numbers plummeted, and social distancing was introduced.

Hourly services were pushed back to one bus every two hours, or in some cases suspended entirely.

But with commercial bus operators now ramping up their services, regional transport bosses have agreed to reinstate pre-coronavirus timetables from Monday (June 15).

In a report to the combined authority Alison Chew, interim head of bus services at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “It is essential that service frequencies are restored in a coordinated and consistent manner with regard for wider considerations.

“Although the Government guidance has not changed, social distancing measures will mean that the capacity available across the network will be significantly reduced.”

The changes were signed off by Eamonn Boylan, chief executive of the Greater Manchester combined authority, this week.

Here are all the Oldham-affected bus routes which are being reinstated by operators and when the changes come into effect:

159, Monday to Saturday, Oldham – Woodhouses – Failsworth – Middleton, Hourly, June 15

419, Mondays to Fridays, Middleton – Chadderton – Ashton, Hourly, June 15

435, Mon – Sat daytime, Buckstones – Turf Hill – Rochdale. Hourly, June 15

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