BUS operator First has won the contract to operate services on the guided busway.

Following a comprehensive procurement process, First has been selected by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to run the high frequency busway services, which is due for completion later this year.

First has committed to running a premium commercial service — with no direct public subsidy — at their normal network prices.

All TfGM concessionary passes and permits will be valid for travel.

Teresa Broxton, managing director for First in Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to run the busway services.

“First has a great track record of delivering high quality, reliable services and we look forward to working in partnership with TfGM and local councils to provide innovative travel solutions for our new and existing customers.”

The service will be run using new, high quality double deck, low carbon emission vehicles that will be replaced every five years.

They will include on-board “next stop” audio and visual announcements and CCTV, free wi-fi, climate control and high quality seating.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham said: “People across the Leigh and Tyldesley areas have had to put up with poor public transport links for far too long. The busway will give people quality services, that are more frequent than trains, at half the price.

“It will give commuters in Leigh a genuine alternative to running a car and open up job opportunities for young people. And, given that anyone with a concessionary permit will be able to travel on the busway for free in the off-peak, I have no doubt that it will bring more shoppers into Leigh town centre and continue the regeneration of our town.”

When fully completed, four services per hour will run from Atherton and four from Leigh.

There will be around 30 pairs of bus stops along the busway route with dedicated terminal stops in Atherton town centre, Leigh Bus Station and within the Central Manchester Foundation Trust hospital site.

All stops will be fully accessible and many of the stops will be upgraded or new. The guided section will have seven stops in each direction, which will have shelters, CCTV, real time electronic information displays and cycle parking.

There will also be three free to use park and ride sites to serve the busway providing more than 400 spaces in Leigh, on Astley Street in Tyldesley, and on the A580 East Lancashire Road near to the M60/61 junction.

More information about the busway and the wider bus priority package is available at tfgm.com/buspriority or by calling 0300 123 1177.