Manchester centre bus priority scheme changes

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council have made plans to improve a number of bus priority routes through Manchester city centre. The local authorities are writing to over 500 people who gave feedback during a major summer 2013 consultation that helped shaped the scheme. It is thought the bus priority package would significantly improve the quality, punctuality and reliability of bus services on 25 miles of key routes in the region. The proposals aim to encourage more people to use bus services that can travel more freely through the city centre. They also include improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. Later this month the updated plans will be consulted on formally by Manchester City Council.

Key changes in the proposals include improving access at all times to the Village and Chinatown areas. A new access loop to provide improved access to the front of the Portland Hotel is planned as are improved pedestrian and cycling facilities on and across Portland Street plus two way traffic on Princess Street and Brook Street between the Mancunian Way slip-off and Major Street to improve access in and out of the city. Visit www.tfgm.com/buspriority for a full list of changes being proposed.