New proposals to improve journeys in Royton and Ashton-under-Lyne have been revealed.
These include bus stops that are more accessible, comfortable and better located, improved walking and cycling routes and changes to road layouts to make them safer for all users.
Other changes could include planting more trees and plants in Royton town centre to make it a greener place to be and create a more welcoming environment.
Meanwhile cyclists in Ashton will have a new ‘quiet route’ – a route with very light traffic and low speeds which riders can safely share with motor vehicles.
These all form part of a wider scheme focusing on upgrading the A671 and A627 bus corridor through Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton town centres.
People who use the route and live nearby are now being asked to share their views on the potential changes.
In December proposals were revealed for the Rochdale section of the route and the public asked for their views.
Later this year, views will be sought on the Oldham section of the route.
In Royton town centre we are seeking views on the following proposals:
• Improved bus stops along the route to help people access the bus network.
• A new southbound (towards Oldham) bus stop in Royton between Byron Street and
High Barn Street to help people get on and off the bus nearer the town centre shops and businesses.
• An improved, accessible northbound bus stop in Royton with a more comfortable waiting area.
• Improvements to Royton town centre, with more trees and plants, in order to make it a greener place to be which creates a more welcoming environment.
• Wider footways with better surfaces and seating areas to make Royton town centre more accessible for everyone.
• A review of parking and loading restrictions will be carried out to ensure they support the proposals described above.
In Ashton, the following changes are being proposed:
• Improved bus stops along the corridor, to help people access the bus network.
• A new walking/cycling off-road track adjacent to Springwood Way, to improve connection to the old disused railway line from Ashton to Park Bridge
• A quiet route for cyclists via Wellington Clough.
• Changes to road layouts around Turner Lane to improve navigation and safety for all road users.
• Improved cycle and pedestrian crossing points along and across the A627, with improved footways.
• A review of parking and loading restrictions will be carried out to ensure they support the proposals described above.
The proposals aim to improve bus service performance as well as making it more comfortable to wait for a bus – with better seating and shelters to keep passengers dry - and helping people to feel safer.
Further benefits for road users and communities include helping to increase the number of people travelling on buses or walking, cycling and wheeling along the route.
The plans also seek to make it easier to access and switch between different types of transport, from rail and Metrolink to cycling – complementing the ambitions of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s emerging integrated London-style transport system.
Stephen Rhodes, Director of Bus at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “These proposals are designed to improve journeys in and between Royton and Ashton for all road users.
“The aim is to make bus journeys more reliable, comfortable and convenient, while making it easier and safer for those who choose to walk, cycle or wheel to their destinations.
“I’d urge people to have their say on these proposals so we can ensure their views are taken into account as the scheme moves forward.”
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council said: “I’m really excited by these proposals to improve transport links in Royton, whenever I speak to residents in Royton about what they need, decent and affordable public transport is always at the top of the list.
“These improvements will make the centre of Royton look and feel nicer with more trees and green spaces along the bus route, as well as making it easier and more appealing for our residents to use our buses or to walk or cycle.
“This is about creating healthier and more sustainable community spaces for everyone to enjoy as well as better travel options, and at the end of March the Bee Network will arrive in Oldham as we take buses back into public control for the first time in 40 years.
“Get involved in the consultation and have your say on making buses better in Royton.”
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Connectivity,
Councillor Jan Jackson said: “This investment aims to improve bus journeys and make it more attractive, convenient and safer to choose active travel along key routes in Tameside.
“Residents in the borough are best placed to know what their neighbourhoods need, so I’d encourage you to have your say. The drop-in events at Ashton Library are also a great opportunity to get involved and find out more.”
This engagement period on the proposals for the Royton Town Centre and Ashton-under-Lyne section of the route will run until Monday 24 March.
You can find more information about the proposals and let us know what you think on our online survey.
You can request a paper copy of the survey, or the survey in an alternative language, via hello@beenetwork.com which can be returned to TfGM at Transport for Greater Manchester 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG.
Alternatively a complete survey over the phone by ringing 0161 244 1000 between Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm and Weekends and Bank Holidays: 8am to 8pm.
Public drop in sessions where you can discuss the proposals with a member of the team are also planned to take place at:
Trinity Methodist Church, Radcliffe Street, Royton, OL2 5QR
• Tuesday 12th March, 1pm-3pm
• Thursday 14th March, 10am-12pm
Ashton Library, Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BH
• Tuesday 19th March, 5pm – 7pm
• Weds 20th March, 2pm-4pm
We will also make contact with businesses along the route that may be impacted by the scheme or works.
This is the second phase of engagement on this route. A survey was carried out in March and April 2023 to give local people the chance to help shape the plans by telling us how they travel and what problems they experience whilst doing so.
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