Timetable changes announced for 44 buses - these are the services affected

Timetable changes impacting 44 bus services have been announced by transport bosses, together with new and extra routes. Transport for Greater Manchester said that working with bus operators, they've focused on the worst performing and most complained about routes.

The changes - due to come into force from Sunday - will see departure times altered from some services. TfGM said that for others, arrival or departure times will change along the route, making the timetable 'more reliable' for paying passengers.

The transport body also revealed it's in discussions with Go North West - operator of the two largest franchises - about bringing in additional buses as part of a planned timetable change in April.

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"This will further help to improve bus punctuality and reliability on services, as well as providing extra capacity," said a statement on Friday. "Passengers on the other locally controlled services that are run by Diamond are also benefitting from newer, better buses as part of a major investment in the bus fleet by the operator."

It comes as the M.E.N. revealed live bus tracking is planned to be available on the Bee Network app from mid-March.

And passengers will also be able to access weekly reports to see how punctual their buses have been, with latest figures showing more buses are now running on time with the Bee Network.

Passengers can check any changes to their normal service by visiting a travel shop or by checking the Bee Network app or website. Information is being updated at bus stops.

Under franchising, for the first time since 1986, private operators now have no say over routes, fares, frequencies, timetables and overall standards, giving