After observations that the RHS Bridgewater site was poorly served by public transport, particularly in relation to the nearest railway station (Walkden), SELCRP wanted to provide a link and demonstrate the potential for commercial viability of diverting existing services or creating a new service to the site that would provide a reliable and affordable option for those without access to a car and/or on a low income, and for local residents who can take advantage of free entry offered to Salford residents on certain dates.
Funding was secured from Northern, TfGM, Avanti West Coast and CRN for a service to be operated by Diamond Bus NW, running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 3rd July to 25th September 2022. The service provided a reliable and affordable public transport link, and was very well received by local people and on social media.
As a result of the scheme, we are pleased that RHS have now decided to run the bus themselves, after proving the viability and popularity of the service, which is a fantastic outcome for SELCRP.
