I am interested to see that GMPTE are offering to consult more with the public and wish them to have a say in future services, but my experience has led me to believe this may not be true.

I have been involved in trying to get an extra bus stop nearer to the new health centre in Radcliffe, and was told a group from the GMPTE, the police and the highways authority were going to look at the site.

I asked if I could join the group to put forward the passenger’s point of view, but was told members of the public were not taken on site visits.

Needless to say, they have turned down the proposal without any member of the public being consulted.

As for putting on extra buses during peak times, if the congestion charge is ratified, GMPTE and First Bus cannot provide the service as it should be during off peak hours at the moment. At lunch time on Friday, I waited 35 minutes for the 98 bus from Bury to Radcliffe. A service that should run at 10 minute intervals.

We were told it was because of traffic lights work in Radcliffe, but just after the first 98 arrived, so did a second and a third within five minutes.

If buses start off at ten minute intervals and get stuck in the same congestion surely they should still arrive at 10 minute intervals? Not in a 35 minute interval, then a two minute interval then a three minute interval.

I telephoned First Bus to complain, was given a menu to opt for, but then was told by an automaton that no-one was available to speak to me, but leave my number and they would phone back. I have not received any call back.

Pat Walmsley Radcliffe