Bus passengers hit by double whammy

A transport expert has attacked a bus company for “chopping off” part of a valuable passenger route and forcing passengers to pay twice.

Councillor Richard Knowles, blasted First Bus the operator which launched its £3.5 million investment in 21 new, state of the art double deck buses, on its 82 and 83 services, in a blaze of publicity.

He has been joined by Councillors Barbara Beeley and Linda Dawson who are demanding a return to the old 82 service seven days a week.

Councillor Knowles, Oldham’s representative on the integrated transport authority, said: “ First bus has chopped Waterhead off this route because it can make more profit using the buses on other routes.

“Not only are passengers between Waterhead bus terminus and Hill Stores forced to change buses in Oldham, often waiting for over 30 minutes, but they also have to pay twice for this worse service.

“The 82 from Waterhead bus terminus to Oldham and Manchester has run for donkeys years. Hundreds of people depend on it.

“It is another example of what happens with bus deregulation, which, since 1986, has given private bus companies power to decide bus routes, frequencies and fares. It leaves local councils, and passengers, with no say,” he declared.

Councillor Knowles has complained directly to the bus company asking it to revert to the old service. “Up to now, First bus has refused but enough public pressure may get it to reconsider.”

Lees and Saddleworth champion, Councillor Beeley, said: “It now turns up Ripponden Road at Hill Stores which leaves the top of Waterhead Ward and the Turner Street area without a frequent and regular service.”

Claire Johnson, commercial manager for First in Manchester, said: “ We will continue to monitor the situation and are currently reviewing Sundays to see if there is scope to improve the service provision to and from Waterhead.”