A new door-to-door transport service for people with access and mobility difficulties is off to a flying start in Bury. Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) extended the popular Ring & Ride service at the end of January when it added nine new minibuses to provide extra trips across the conurbation.
In the first few months, 246 passengers journeys have been made from Bury on the new ‘cross boundary’ service into neighbouring districts. And 2,355 journeys have been made across the conurbation.
Councillor Andrew Garner, Bury spokesperson for GMPTA, said: “Ring & Ride makes a real difference to people who find it difficult to use ordinary public transport to get out and about. “It has always been a very popular service for making trips in Bury but we’re always listening to users’ suggestions for improving it. “We surveyed passengers and they said they would be prefer to keep on paying a fare rather than travelling for free - so long as we invested in this new cross boundary service. “So I am delighted to see so many people finding it useful. It is clearly giving Ring & Ride users in Bury a lot more choice about where they can travel.”
Ring & Ride is run by Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Limited. Managing Director, Bernard Rowen, said: “I’m really pleased to see the new cross boundary services get off to such a good start. “Previously we could only offer local district based services but the new minibuses are allowing us to take people that bit farther afield into neighbouring areas. “The investment has clearly been worthwhile and I’m glad to be able to offer such an improved service. I’d encourage anyone who might want to give Ring and Ride a go to call us and register to use the service.” Passengers must register their details before they travel by calling the Bury depot on 0161 764 1999.
The service currently runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Journeys can be booked from seven days in advance up to one hour before travelling.
To book a journey on the cross boundary service call 0845 688 3989 (lines open between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday). Fares are set at £2 for a single journey, and £1 for a single journey for GMPTE concessionary permit holders. For more information on Ring & Ride visit www.ringandride.info
