Improvements to bus and train services could be a better alternative to bringing trams to Bolton, transport authorities say.

This comes after Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) found that either proposed route for extending the Metrolink to the town would be “poor value for money.”

But the authority has argued that instead the newly launched Bee Network could help to improve transport links in and out of the borough.

TfGM transport strategy director Martin Lax said: “All of Greater Manchester will benefit from the creation of the Bee Network in the short and medium term, with buses coming under local control between now and 2025, a contactless payment trial on the rail network in 2025, and local trains joining the Bee Network from 2030.”

Mr Lax pointed out that this could mean investment being made on the former railway cutting through Radcliffe and onto Bolton that has been suggested as a possible tram route.

The Bolton News: A Bee Network bus in BoltonA Bee Network bus in Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

Improvements could be made to other kinds of public transport along this same way.

Mr Lax said: “For this former railway corridor, that means we can look at improvements to bus and train services, as well as the tram services that TfGM already controls, building on the additional 111 spaces at Radcliffe Metrolink Park and Ride, which opened in 2022 and the first locally controlled bus services that started operating in Bolton and parts of Bury in September.”  

Bringing tramlines to Bolton could still be possible given that the Department for Transport has still yet to make a final decision, despite TfGM’s report.

But the authority hopes that expanded bus and train services could be a viable alternative.

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The Bee Network was first rolled out in Bolton and Wigan last Autumn in preparation for its introduction across the whole of Greater Manchester.

The finished scheme will aim to create an integrated, publicly controlled transport network for the whole of the city region.

The new Bee Network buses, notable by their distinctive yellow branding, will replace Manchester’s six existing bus brands over the next 18 months.

This will aim to provide what Transport for Greater Manchester calls a joined-up network for passengers.