WHETHER you use them for work, shopping or to see friends and family buses are a vital part of everyday life and the public transport network.
Thousands of people hop on them every day but the number of residents using buses is falling both locally and nationally.
To increase usage and improve the service for local people people across Oldham can now voice their views through a consultation on how they think buses should be run in their local area.
It does not matter if you are a regular bus passenger or rarely use the bus, everyone’s views are important and will inform a future decision on how buses are run in Oldham. The consultation runs until Wednesday, January 8.
Oldham Council leader, Cllr Sean Fielding, said: “Currently in Greater Manchester, bus companies decide their own routes, timetables, tickets and standards.
“We now have a chance to run buses differently and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is proposing a franchising scheme.
“This consultation will give Oldhamers a voice and a say in the future running of this vital form of transport.
“We are notoriously bad at responding to consultations in Oldham. But I would really urge people to get involved and have their say.
“Public transport is vital for so many of our residents, helping them get to work, appointments and to connect with friends and family, I really hope residents make their voice heard.
“The new scheme will also tie in with our Green Oldham initiative, encouraging residents and organisations in Oldham to make environmentally conscious choices.
“We want to make Greater Manchester’s public transport system work together across the whole of the 10 boroughs and this is the first step in making that happen.”
To have your say, visit the consultation page online at www.gmconsult.org
Consultation documents and the proposals are available at libraries and council buildings across our borough or you can email gmbusconsultation@greatermancester-ca.gov.uk or call 0161 244 1100 for the survey in alternative formats.