THERE were several letters in last week’s Journal about the guided busway and, unfortunately, they included quite a bit of incorrect or misleading information, which I would like to address.

Accessibility for all is a key feature of the busway design. The buses that run on the route will be easy access for everybody. There will also be level boarding at all stops on the guided section and step free access to all of the bus stops between East Bond Street and Newearth Road.

There will only be four sets of traffic lights through Tyldesley for the guided busway, not six as stated. And while it’s correct that we are not building bridges or tunnels for the buses to pass over and through, this is far from an 'oversight'. By keeping busway services at street level we are making access to the buses much easier for all people, but particularly those with restricted mobility.

Your reader from Higher Folds is right to question the number of otters in Leigh. However, the Environment Agency has not ruled out otters returning to the area in the future and requested a special ledge in the Lilford Brook tunnel for all water-based mammals to cross. Construction of the tunnel, and the busway, is not responsible for the nearby road closures on The Avenue and Hannover Street in Leigh, which is due to unrelated work by a utility provider.

Our traffic modelling shows that concerns about congestion are unfounded. We expect the busway to attract people out of their cars and on to buses, while having a minimal adverse impact on other road traffic.

Upgrades are being made to junctions and traffic signalling along the guided section and the East Lancs Road to improve the flow of general traffic, along with safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. So concerns about lengthy red lights for buses crossing junctions are unfounded.

The busway will open up new opportunities for local residents and businesses along the entire route, and improve access to healthcare, jobs and education.

Buses will take people to and from Salford and Manchester Universities and the Central Manchester Hospitals Trust site on Oxford Road, with journey times of less than 50 minutes to Manchester city centre. It will also make it easier for local residents to get to shops, markets and libraries in Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton.

Anyone with any questions about the busway can stay in touch with us at tfgm.com/buspriority or by calling our officers for a chat on 0300 123 1177 in office hours or by dropping in to one of many sessions at local venues.

Peter Boulton

Head of Programme Management Services

Transport for Greater Manchester