Extra buses to run on Vantage Busway after ridership continues to increase

Customers in the Salford area will benefit from additional buses as the First Manchester Vantage service continues to attract new passengers each week.

Over the last three months there has been a ridership growth of 13 per cent, averaging at 54,000 people carried per week.

As a result, there will be additional buses operating on the increasingly popular Vantage Busway service between Ellenbrook and Manchester; helping to provide extra seats to commuters travelling during peak times. 

Some of the extra journeys will be operated by a ‘standard’ vehicle however these will be highlighted in the timetable as number V4.

Ian Humphreys, Managing Director for First Manchester, said: “A clear message from customers has been a call for more seats to be made available during the morning peak and I’m therefore pleased to announce that from September we will be adding extra trips to the timetable, under the new V4 service.

“In addition, First Manchester is continuing to support the Vantage service by creating a video to demonstrate the accessibility of the bus for customers with reduced mobility. Customers can experience an interactive virtual tour of the bus and bus stops along the route, as well as see what to expect when boarding and travelling on Vantage buses. The video aims to make travelling easier and reduce anxiety for new customers.”

This news follows the results from an annual survey of First Manchester busway customers, which found that more passengers are opting to walk to and from their local Vantage service; helping to reduce the number of cars on the road.  

Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Bus Network and Transport for Greater Manchester Services Sub-Committee, said: “Following on from the provision of two extra morning peak services in April 2018, the demand for even further capacity is a clear indication of the continued success of the Vantage bus services.

“These extra buses are great news for passengers and will hopefully encourage even more people to join the 54,000 passengers already using Vantage every week. If more people are encouraged to leave their cars at home and use our transport networks – and have a good experience doing so – then we can really help to improve air quality and, in turn, people’s health.”