

2.5
Leigh and Atherton to Manchester via the guided busway
I have used the busway 6 days a week since it opened. It's guided from Leigh (numbered V1) to Ellenbrook. Buses from Atherton (numbered V2) join at Astley Street Exchange and then all continue on the East Lancs. Road into Manchester and back. Buses are run by First Manchester. Whilst buses stop at Piccadilly Gardens they don't stop at a central stop but terminate at Stevenson Square about 5 minutes walk away. The latter is the place to get on if you need a priority space as few people use it. However, it is not easy to get to and paving en route is less than ideal. All buses are double deckers. There are 2 tables upstairs; next stop visual displays upstairs and down plus audio and USB charging points.
The scheme is overseen by TfGM who have responsibility for the stops and guided elements. It opened in April 2016 and at peak times can be standing room only. The bus stops on the guided element have a tactile at which the buses ought to stop. Upgraded stops elsewhere do not.
I have used the busway 6 days a week since it opened. It's guided from Leigh (numbered V1) to Ellenbrook. Buses from Atherton (numbered V2) join at Astley Street Exchange and then all continue on the East Lancs. Road into Manchester and back. Buses are run by First Manchester. Whilst buses stop at Piccadilly Gardens they don't stop at a central stop but terminate at Stevenson Square about 5 minutes walk away. The latter is the place to get on if you need a priority space as few people use it. However, it is not easy to get to and paving en route is less than ideal. All buses are double deckers. There are 2 tables upstairs; next stop visual displays upstairs and down plus audio and USB charging points.
The scheme is overseen by TfGM who have responsibility for the stops and guided elements. It opened in April 2016 and at peak times can be standing room only. The bus stops on the guided element have a tactile at which the buses ought to stop. Upgraded stops elsewhere do not.