Huddersfield bus lane plan not welcomed

Feb 6 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Huddersfield bus lane plan not welcomed

IT has sparked a massive amount of controversy – and been condemned as “crackpot”.

Kirklees Council’s decision to provide a bus-only lane on Manchester Road has so far led to an angry reaction.

And in a spot check by the Examiner, it seems passengers using buses on the road agree: it’s not worth the money.

The bus lane, which will run westbound on Manchester Road from the ring road to Longroyd Bridge, has sparked a heated debate.

Hardly surprising, given its £950,000 cost and its mere 600 metre length.

Generally the public are more concerned with the cost rather than its practicality.

Councillors insist the money, which is being provided by the Government, could only be used for such schemes to help public transport.

And First, the bus company providing many of the services on the road, insist it will shave vital minutes off many journeys.

But what do passengers think?

A regular user of the 184 service, student Rachel Readitt, 20, said: “It’s great that they are thinking more about public transport but it seems such a waste of money for a short strip of road.”

Another user of the route Michael Johnson, 42, said: “It’s a great idea but with the amount they are paying for the bus lane, it could be longer.”

However, First Bus Company believe the lane to be worth it.

They have several services travelling on that route – serving places such as Marsden, Slaithwaite, Golcar, Milnsbridge and Crosland Moor – and say a bus-only lane would save a minimum of two minutes per journey at peak times, in the morning and late afternoon.

Dave Alexander, managing director for First in West Yorkshire, said: “Kirklees Council should be applauded for making the bold move.”