Popular bus service back on route

Waterhead Councillors Linda Dawson and Lynne Thompson at the bus terminus in Waterhead.

DELIGHTED councillors have praised First Bus for re-instating the full 82 service from Manchester to Waterhead.

The route, currently reduced to peak hours only from Oldham to Waterhead, will be restored seven days a week from Sunday.

Oldham Councillor Richard Knowles, vice-chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: “Local residents were having to change buses in Oldham and pay twice, making their journey much longer and more expensive. In this case First Bus responded to widespread criticism.”

Waterhead Councillor Linda Dawson said: “When we were contacted by people telling us how much they missed the service, we started campaigning on their behalf. We conducted a survey in local shops and passed on demands from residents to have the service re-instated. The 82 will now run every 30 minutes to Waterhead.”

Saddleworth West and Lees Councillor Barbara Beeley added: “Many people rely on the 82 for work, shopping and school.”