Councillors call for bus route to be reinstated

Standish councillors Adam Marsh and Ray Whittingham want the 638 Wigan to Standish circular via Worthington, Bradley route put back.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the removal of the service was one of a number of changes made to tendered services to reduce the level of duplication in the area. But Coun Marsh said that there has been no consultation on the scrapping of the service and that it would have a massive negative impact on residents who rely on the route.

He said Coun Whittingham and he have written to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham asking for the service to return, amid reports that one pensioner had to walk a mile in the rain because of the decision.

Coun Marsh said: “The 638 service has been withdrawn from service. This was a tendered service paid for by TfGM – there was no consultation on its removal, and the announcement was buried in Greater Manchester committee papers.

“Having spoken to residents, it’s clear that this will have a massive negative impact.”

He added: “Over the weekend, Coun Whittingham and I have written to Andy Burnham, who is ultimately responsible for TfGM, asking for it to be reinstated.”

TfGM’s interim head of bus services, Alison Chew, said the changes to tendered services were approved by the Greater Manchester Transport Committee.

She said: “We are operating in an extremely challenging climate – both operationally and financially – and are striving to ensure TfGM-funded services serve as many people as possible.

“The changes were one of a number made to tendered services to reduce the level of duplication in the area. They were approved by the Greater Manchester Transport Committee and we are using various channels to ensure passengers are informed.

“We will continue to monitor and review the services that we fund, to ensure they are serving the local communities in the most effective and efficient way possible in these challenging times.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ...