New bus service to boost Saddleworth connectivity

Saddleworth's connectivity is set for a major boost

A new bus service is set to improve connectivity between Saddleworth villages and boost access to rail services and leisure opportunities.

From Monday, April 9, the new bus will provide an hourly Monday to Saturday service from Denshaw, via Delph, Dobcross, Diggle and Uppermill to Greenfield rail station, connecting with morning peak and evening rail services to and from Manchester.

During the daytime, the service will serve Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre.

The service will operate from 7am to 11pm between Monday and Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, improving access to evening leisure opportunities in Manchester and Saddleworth.

A survey of Saddleworth residents, conducted in November 2016 by Transport for Greater Manchester helped to inform the decision to introduce the service and improve local connectivity.

The survey was funded by the Department for Transport’s Total Transport Pilot Fund to deliver joined up and efficient transport links specifically in rural areas.

Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “A survey of households in Saddleworth, which prompted over 1600 responses, highlighted a real need and appetite for a frequent bus service to connect the local villages.

“The introduction of this service therefore shows our commitment to listening to the needs of transport users and to making travel easier by providing accessible ways of making essential journeys.

“As well as offering vital local transport links, the service also opens up greater connection with rail services, making it easier for people in the area to access further leisure, retail and employment opportunities.”

Councillor Fida Hussain, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “This is fantastic news for Saddleworth residents.

“It was great that so many local people took the time to respond to the TfGM survey and make sure their voices were heard.

“This new service will improve vital links between villages and access to a range of other opportunities. This shows the value of people actively taking part in public consultations like this.”

The service will be funded by Transport for Greater Manchester and operated by Nexus.