Views wanted on proposals for quicker, safer and more reliable journeys in Oldham and Royton

• Transport for Greater Manchester and local councils are developing plans for quicker, more reliable and more accessible bus journeys in Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton town centres. 

• Proposals also include measures to create safer and more accessible walking, cycling, and wheeling routes. 

• Work will focus on the A627 and A671, the main route linking the four towns and is planned between now and 2027.  

• Encouraging more people to use public transport or active travel for their journeys will help to reduce congestion for all road users, including motorists.

• Schemes form part of the Bee Network – a joined-up, locally controlled public transport and active travel system that is accountable to the people of Greater Manchester.

Communities and businesses are being asked to shape proposals to make journeys in Oldham and Royton quicker, safer, more reliable and more accessible.

Plans being brought forward include major investment to improve junctions, lane layouts, signal timings and public spaces as well as enhancing walking wheeling and cycling routes.  This will be paid for from £50m of government (CRSTS) funding for the full Rochdale, Royton, Oldham Ashton route.

The aim is to improve the performance and reliability of bus services, make bus stops more comfortable, safe and secure and create better linked up public transport and active travel options.

Infrastructure improvements that make public transport and active travel more attractive options will reduce congestion and free-up the roads for all users, including motorists.

This will build on the improvements already brought forward under the Bee Network, where bus services in these areas are now more reliable than under the deregulated system and vehicles are newer, cleaner and more accessible.

This includes the 409 service which serves the entire Rochdale-Oldham-Ashton corridor. The most used Bee Network service in north east Greater Manchester, it has continually improved reliability since it came under local control in March last year. It is also one of five services that, from 23 February, will benefit from the addition of 10 extra buses to improve reliability across those routes.

In Spring 2023, we asked people who travel between Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton what they would like to see. Most people told us that they would like to see a quicker and more reliable bus service, safe and more accessible bus stops and safer cycling routes.

This feedback has been central to the schemes and designs that are now being put forward for Oldham. An engagement exercise for Royton also took place in spring 2024 and feedback from the public has been used to further shape the proposals that people in the town are now being consulted on.

The broader benefits of investing in bus and active travel infrastructure include a boost to local economies, opening up job opportunities and increasing the number of people visiting the town centres and high streets along the route.

A recent report from the Confederation of Passenger Transport states the economic and social activities of bus users benefit the GM economy and society to the tune of £675 million a year It is also estimated that walking, wheeling and cycling provides £453.6 million in economic benefits in Greater Manchester for our residents and the city-region.  

Transport for Greater Manchester is also carrying out Network Reviews as part of its commitment to improving the Bee Network in all areas of Greater Manchester. 

These involve working with local authorities to ask communities and businesses what they think of transport in their area and any changes they’d like to see.

This helps us to identify the changes and improvements we can make the offer the greatest benefit to the widest range of people, with each review being evidenced based.

Stephen Rhodes. TfGM’s Director of Bus, said: “These proposals are designed to improve journeys in and between Royton and Oldham for all road users and pedestrians, and have been shaped by the feedback we received from the public during previous engagement exercises.

“We know people want their bus journeys to be more reliable, comfortable and convenient and what we are putting forward aims to achieve that, while also making it easier and safer for those who choose to walk, cycle or wheel to their destinations.

“I would urge people in Oldham and Royton to have their says on these proposals so we can ensure their views are taken into account and deliver the improvements that will benefit these town centres.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "These proposals are an important step towards improving travel in Oldham and Royton, making bus services faster, more reliable and safer for everyone.

I am pleased to see plans that also support active travel, helping to create a more connected and sustainable transport system. 

The feedback we receive from residents will be vital in shaping these proposals, and I encourage all residents to get involved in the consultation to ensure the final plans reflect the needs of our community, whether you're walking, cycling or using public transport."

The engagement and consultation periods on the proposals for Oldham and Royton respectively run until 31 March 2025.