A VOLUNTARY Bus Partnership Agreement (VPA) has been introduced on a bus route that links Leigh and Bolton.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), bus operator First and Bolton and Wigan Councils have signed a commitment to keep high quality bus services and infrastructure on the 582 bus route.

First has agreed to continue meeting high standards in customer service and high quality vehicles.

In return for the councils and TfGM will make sure passengers have quality bus service information, the highway, bus stops and shelters are maintained and traffic management is improved.

Clr Mark Aldred, vice chair of the TfGM committee and transport spokesman for Wigan Council, said: “Today’s agreement is all about safeguarding the long-term future of this important bus route, improving bus services and hopefully boosting bus use too.”