BURY businesses are being urged to ditch the executive Daimler and opt for the bus instead.

They are being targeted by Manchester bus operator First.

The company is launching a campaign to persuade major employers and their staff about the benefits of using the bus to solve daily commuting difficulties.

As Greater Manchester sees the introduction of more bus priority measures, such as bus lanes, preferential switching of traffic lights and the development of dependable high frequency networks, so the ease and convenience of bus travel is becoming an increasingly attractive option.

For employees, says First, travel to work by car during busy peak times can mean long periods sat in traffic queues.

This results in late arrival, the release of excessive levels of exhaust fumes and the build-up of frustration and anger.

The consequences for employers can be lost productivity and reduced levels of service to customers.

Now, First has appointed David Borland and Gerard Ward as business transport advisers.

In their new roles, they will work closely with major employers to develop bespoke travel programmes to suit individual business needs and provide support to local authority travel plan co-ordinators.

First divisional commercial director Russell Gard said: "All the roads are becoming equally congested and it only takes a minor event to bring almost complete gridlock.

Colleague Garry Raven commented: "To reduce congestion and make environmental improvements, we have to explore every avenue to persuade more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport.

"People travelling to work are a major target and, based on an average occupancy of 1.2 passengers per car, just one full 70-seat bus is the equivalent of more than 50 cars."

He added: "At First, we're determined to play our part in providing solutions and we want to work with employers and employees to show them how we can help."