MALCOLM Sutcliffe expresses reservations about whether the proposed Guided Busway will be a sufficient way of improving public transport in the area and argues for either a rail station or a Metrolink station.

I agree Leigh and Tyldesley deserve better public transport, and when Metrolink is such a success and is proven to get people out of their cars and onto public transport it is not surprising Mr Sutcliffe, and most communities, would like it to serve their area.

Unfortunately, Metrolink is expensive and there are a number of other long-standing planned extensions to Metrolink that have been approved and are awaiting funding.

A Metrolink that would serve Leigh would take many years to secure the necessary powers and funding.

The busway is capable of being delivered more quickly.

Mr Sutcliffe suggests a rail station could be introduced. We have investigated rail as an alternative but it would be prohibitively expensive to build and could not operate without subsidy.

We believe a Guided Busway will provide many of the benefits of Metrolink, will be built in shorter time and provide a better service than rail at an affordable price for passengers.

In addition, we would also be able to keep current footpaths and crossings and protect wildlife.

The Guided Busway does not mean Metrolink will never come to Leigh.

At the moment the number of potential passengers would not justify the cost of Metrolink under current government criteria.

However, if the Guided Busway attracts a significant number of extra passengers, it would be possible to consider Metrolink again - indeed all the structures for the Guided Busway are being designed with a possible conversion to Metrolink in the future in mind.

Keith Howcroft

Director of Planning

& Passenger Services

GMPTE

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