Salford Transport Plans Aim to Cut Congestion with Bus and Metrolink Improvements

New proposals to expand Metrolink services and improve bus reliability form the latest effort to reduce congestion on Salford’s roads.

The plans, developed jointly by Salford City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), focus on making public transport faster, more frequent and more dependable across key routes in the city.

A central element of the scheme targets the number 50 bus route, which runs from East Didsbury through Manchester city centre and into Salford. Planned improvements along this corridor are intended to support growing demand for public transport as large-scale regeneration brings thousands of new homes to areas such as Salford Crescent and Salford Quays.

Council documents indicate that the changes could significantly reduce journey times. One report suggests that southbound Route 50 services during the morning peak could see average journey times fall by around 4.3 minutes, representing a 10 per cent improvement and delivering the greatest benefit to the busiest passenger flows.

The proposals are also designed to align with longer-term ambitions to extend the Metrolink network from MediaCityUK to Salford Crescent, strengthening public transport links along a corridor with high demand. TfGM said the Salford Quays–Crescent scheme is one of several options being explored to expand “rapid transit” across Greater Manchester, including potential tram and tram-train services. A strategic assessment is currently underway to support the development of a formal business case.

Planned bus improvements include the introduction of a new bus gate on South Langworthy Road, giving priority to buses and trams, alongside upgrades to bus stops throughout the route to improve accessibility, passenger comfort and safety. Junction changes are also proposed at Broadway, Eccles New Road, Langworthy Road and Liverpool Street, aimed at reducing delays and improving traffic flow.

The wider scheme would also deliver new pedestrian crossings and protected cycle lanes, supporting safer and more sustainable travel options. Up to £1.8 million has been allocated from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Fund to support the project’s early development.

Councillors met at Salford Town Hall on 12 December to approve a second phase of public consultation. A council report highlighted that the proposals could make journeys quicker and more reliable for both bus passengers on Route 50 and tram users on the Eccles line, while helping to ease congestion, improve air quality and encourage greater use of the Bee Network.

However, the report also acknowledged potential trade-offs. The proposed bus gate could divert some traffic via Trafford Road and James Corbett Road, potentially increasing congestion and journey times on certain routes, while other roads may see improvements.

A Salford City Council spokesperson said TfGM has made strong progress on developing the Improving Journeys – Salford Crescent to MediaCity project, with the first phase of consultation completed in 2023. Councillors have now agreed to move the project forward and launch a second round of public engagement, expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Residents will be encouraged to share their views, with feedback used to refine the proposals before a final business case is submitted. The plans follow other recent public transport upgrades in Salford, including the launch of the new number 30 bus route linking the Trafford Centre and Manchester.