TRANSPORT chiefs are adamant that a busway is the best route to improve transport links between Leigh and Manchester.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has responded to criticism of the busway by Atherton based Councillor Norman Bradbury, who insists Leigh should get back on track with a heavy rail link.

But Adam Goulcher, GMPTE's strategy director, said: "We believe the busway provides the best value for money solution for rapid transit within this area."

The aim of the busway is to provide frequent, reliable bus services running along the route of the old Leigh-Manchester railway line as far as Ellenbrook.

At the Ellenbrook end of the seven kilometres guided track buses would continue into Manchester on bus lanes along the East Lancashire Road.

GMPTE believes it will provide high quality transport links for people living in the Leigh area, and that the busway would give a significantly reduced and more consistent journey time of around 45 minutes into Manchester city centre.

All stops along the route would have high quality shelters, lighting, CCTV, customer information and help points, with services operated by modern, high specification buses.

The busway is one of 15 major transport schemes included in the Greater Manchester Transport Fund – a £1.5bn investment programme agreed by all ten leading members of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities in May.

A delivery programme outlining timescales for all 15 projects will be reported to councillors in autumn this year.

Mr Goulcher explained: “There has been considerable work undertaken on the busway, including an extensive public consultation.

“Our studies have shown that we cannot make an investment case for rail or Metrolink that would be likely to gain Government approval. However, a 2002 public inquiry into the busway found that there was a ‘need for the scheme’ which was ‘robust economically’."