Burnham 'sorry' for bus delays, but says things will BEE better

FIRST WORKING DAY OF NEW SYSTEM HAILED A SUCCESS DESPITE 'TEETHING PROBLEMS'

- PAUL BRITTON

ANDY Burnham apologised for 'teething problems' on the first working day of Greater Manchester's new bus system, but insisted by and large the launch has gone well.

Speaking at Bolton Interchange yesterday amid reports of delays and some new Bee Network buses running late, the mayor of Greater Manchester apologised to all passengers who were affected.

"We knew that there would be some teething problems and there have been a few challenges," said Mr Burnham, as he championed the people of Greater Manchester as the new 'bosses of the buses' after de-regulation almost 40 years ago.

"I would like to apologise but by and large, things are running well. We have made a huge change here. It is a massive change."

The mayor pointed to the installation of new radios on-board buses, a new IT system and drivers changing over from one company to another.

Bus franchising - which marks the real start of Greater Manchester's Bee Network - launched on Sunday, with yesterday the first working Monday. A total of 175 routes comprise the first stage of the new bus system, covering Bolton, Wigan and some parts of Salford and Bury.

For the first time since 1986, private operators will have no say over routes, fares, frequencies, timetables and overall standards, giving power back to the paying public. It's the first step for the network - Greater Manchester's bold and much-needed plan for an integrated, London-style transport network and a drive to reverse the decades-long decline in bus patronage.