Bus bosses say Leigh Guided Busway is getting better after criticism

Transport bosses say they are addressing issues with the Leigh Guided Busway after the 'flagship' bus service came under criticism last month. Passengers have been complaining of long waits and limited services.

Extra buses have been added to address issues in Ellenbrook, but congestion caused by roadworks on the A6 in Salford is still slowing down the service. It comes as the V2, which runs from Atherton to Manchester via Tyldesley and Salford, remains as a reduced service compared to before the pandemic.

However, speaking at a bus services committee on Friday (October 7), Wigan councillor John Vickers said it should be brought back to pre-Covid levels. He said: "This was put forward as a flagship provision.

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"The service to Manchester city centre is less than perfect from most parts of Wigan borough."

Ian Humphreys, managing director of First Manchester which runs Vantage buses, said the company has been reacting to timetable issues as they arise. But he refuted claims that the company makes 'vast profits' from the service, explaining that it runs the route for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Nick Roberts from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said officials are monitoring passenger numbers on a weekly basis and reacting accordingly. He said the roadworks at the Broad Street and Frederick Road junction in Salford are causing a 'bunching effect' with buses stuck in traffic on the A6.

But he said this congestion problem should 'subside' in the next week or so. He added: "We need to make this service work because it's our flagship."

Salford councillor Roger Jones told the committee that the regular complaints that he had been receiving about