22/11/2005

• Park and ride plans and new technology solutions at heart of plans
• Focus on intelligent car use, modal choice and integration

Stagecoach today outlined a dynamic strategy to develop bus services in Manchester over the next three years.

Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, presented the bold vision at a meeting attended by a range of key stakeholders, including politicians, transport experts, resident groups, business leaders and representatives from other key organisations.

The action plan outlined by Stagecoach, which has grown the number of full fare paying bus passengers on its services by 25% in the past nine years, is designed to improve bus services, tackle rising car congestion and help boost economic growth in the Manchester city region.

Mr Souter set out a range of detailed proposals, including:

• seven new potential park and ride sites at key junctions on or near the M60
• use of mobile phone barcode ticketing solutions
• a £58m optical busway on Princess Parkway
• Greenways to give buses priority on key congested routes, including Stockport Road and Wilmslow Road
• a new park and ride “gateway concept” bringing together a multi-storey high-quality park and ride facility, major retail outlets and bus garage on one integrated site to encourage intelligent car use
• potential for demand responsive Yellow Taxibus services to boost integration

Stakeholders heard that Stagecoach backed the Metrolink extension plans but, with the long lead times for rail initiatives to be delivered, bus services would be critical in addressing Manchester's transport challenges over the next five years.

Brian Souter said: “Manchester is at a crossroads and faces a considerable challenge. However, it is not too late to fix it. There is a cost-effective, deliverable solution and buses are at the heart of our dynamic strategy for public transport in Manchester.

“Experience elsewhere in the UK has shown that investment in bus park and ride, new technology, bus priority measures, customer choice, intelligent car use and integration can deliver impressive results.

“We believe we have developed a winning package that will deliver for bus passengers in Manchester and support the economic growth that is essential for the Manchester city region to prosper. To make that vision a reality, we need the support of local people and we are looking to work constructively with all the key stakeholders in the region.”

Stagecoach outlined its radical agenda at a meeting in the City of Manchester Stadium, which was followed later in the day with a special briefing in London for Manchester MPs.

The company is working with respected transport consultants The TAS Partnership - which carries out specialist work on behalf of PTEs, local authorities, the Department for Transport and private sector companies - to progress its high-level plans.

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or mobile 07764 774680

NOTES TO EDITORS

Download a copy of a presentation outlining the Stagecoach Bus Strategy for South Manchester