Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have earned a prestigious award for a pioneering investment programme.
At the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport North West Awards on 24 June, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) was named best in Transport Policy, Planning and Implementation for its Leigh to Ellenbrook Guided Busway.
The category recognises organisations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in transport planning for the benefit of passengers, business and the environment.
TfGM’s TravelSafe Unit was also highly commended in the Safety category. Designed to actively tackle and prevent crime and antisocial behaviour on Greater Manchester’s bus and tram network, the unit recently celebrated its first anniversary.
The 4.5-mile bus-only guideway between Leigh, Tyldesley and Ellenbrook is a first for the North West. It forms the flagship element of TfGM’s bus priority investment, a £122 million overall package enabling people to enjoy faster, more punctual and more reliable bus services across the region.
The busway provides smooth, rapid connections for passengers thanks to a unique concrete track. The high-specification, low-emission hybrid buses provided and operated by First Manchester, have Wi-Fi and USB charging points, plush seating, tables on the upper deck, audio and visual stop announcements and climate control.
The busway investment also provides more travel choices for residents in Greater Manchester. It includes three park and ride sites, offering free parking for more than 400 cars. In addition, a shared path alongside its whole length has been surfaced so it can be used by horse riders, walkers and both leisure and commuter cyclists.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “It’s great that TfGM has been recognised at the CILT North West Awards.
“The busway was a major technical achievement and our investment promises a significant boost for all the communities it serves, helping people reach key employment, healthcare, retail and leisure facilities more easily than ever before.
“It is also valuable in tackling congestion and reducing emissions for the benefit of the environment.”
Simon Reynish, Chairman of the CILT NW Region, said: “We were delighted to present TfGM with the award for Transport Policy, Planning and Implementation. Our judges were highly impressed by the public’s immediate uptake of the guided busway.”
Teresa Broxton, managing director, First Manchester, commented: “Over 30,000 customer journeys a week are now experiencing the smooth and reliable benefits of the North West's first guided busway. By working together we’ve delivered excellence in travel luxury whilst providing quicker and more punctual journeys for customers.”