Changes along a Salford city centre bus route are set to improve services and get more people using public transport, the council has said.
Upgrades are planned on a major bus corridor between Salford Crescent and MediaCity, which are connected by the number 50 from Didsbury.
It could lead to improved bus stops with real-time information, upgrades to roads and junction layouts, and a new bus gate on South Langworthy Road.
The route travels along the Crescent, Broad Street, Belvedere Road/Hankinson Way, Heywood Way, Fitzwarren Street, Liverpool Street, Langworthy Road, South Langworthy Road, Broadway and The Quays Loop Road.
Salford council, working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), said the changes will improve the experience of passengers using the route.
“The project’s aim is to improve public transport for local people from Salford Crescent and Media City, with better integration with the Metrolink and other sustainable service travel choices,” said Coun Mike McCusker, the council’s lead on transport.
“Once completed the work will reduce journey times and help to connect our communities better. This is something local people have said they want.”
A report on the plans was shared at a council meeting this week, pointing out that a user survey of passengers in 2021 found there to be problems with buses arriving on time, and the frequency of services.
The project to improve the route has been supported with an £800,000 grant from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Fund (CRSTS) to fund initial development costs.
An extra £1m from the CRSTS is on its way to the scheme after approval from the Greater Manchester Bee Network Committee on February 27.
Anthony Murden, deputy head of projects at TfGM said: “By improving bus services and providing affordable and reliable connections between Salford Crescent, MediaCity and Pendleton we can better connect people with job and leisure opportunities, helping deliver growth at these locations and beyond.
“We know there is a lot of interest in this scheme and we are working hard with Salford council to develop these proposals, we carried out initial engagement in 2023 and a second round is planned for later this year when people will be able to give their views.
“This is yet another demonstration of how moving to a locally controlled and accountable bus network will deliver huge improvements for the benefit of our communities.”
