Ordsall’s rapidly growing population have begun to access a new bus route connecting the area with popular business and leisure centres.
The number 30 bus started running through Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Salford Quays, Ordsall Lane and Manchester City Centre on 4 January.
The bus runs every half hour throughout the week and all of the vehicles used on the number 30 route are all-electric.
The first bus used on the route was unveiled at Ordsall Hall, as councillors hailed the move to a more environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The showcasing of this all-electric number 30 service outside the historic Ordsall Hall demonstrates how our past and future sit side by side.
“Ordsall has changed rapidly and it was important we got this new route running as quickly as possible. It strengthens vital links for Ordsall and this all fits with our vision of a carbon-neutral city by 2038.”
This marks the newest investment in sustainability from Salford City Council, who recieved £2 million from local developers to subsidise the route.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council, said: “Being in control of our Section 106 money means that we have been able to bring this bus service to life.
“It represents the approach we take as a city council, using resources to make life better for residents. In this case, to providing a modern, community-focused transport network that people will benefit from.”
This comes as a result of Greater Manchester buses falling under local control. The move put control of the city region’s buses back in the hands of local decision-makers and communities.
Fran Wilkinson, Head of Customer and Growth at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “This new service is a prime example of how having local control of buses enables us to better connect local residents to jobs, education and other opportunities across a growing and thriving Greater Manchester, so that everyone can live a good life.
“We’re seeing more and more people get on board with the Bee Network. We are determined to deliver continuous improvements across Greater Manchester to grow the network further.”
This development comes with the 1,000 new apartments built along the Ordsall Lane Corridor. This allows for improved connections for one of Salford’s fastest‑growing communities.
