Views wanted on proposals for quicker, safer and more reliable journeys in Oldham and Royton

• Transport for Greater Manchester and local councils are developing plans for quicker, more reliable and more accessible bus journeys in Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton town centres.
• Proposals also include measures to create safer and more accessible walking, cycling, and wheeling routes.
• Work will focus on the A627 and A671, the main route linking the four towns and is planned between now and 2027.
• Encouraging more people to use public transport or active travel for their journeys will help to reduce congestion for all road users, including motorists.
• Schemes form part of the Bee Network – a joined-up, locally controlled public transport and active travel system that is accountable to the people of Greater Manchester.

Communities and businesses are being asked to shape proposals to make journeys in Oldham and Royton quicker, safer, more reliable and more accessible.

Plans being brought forward include major investment  to improve junctions, lane layouts, signal timings and public spaces as well as enhancing walking wheeling and cycling routes.  This will be paid for from £50m of government (CRSTS) funding for the full Rochdale, Royton, Oldham Ashton route.

The aim is to improve the performance and reliability of bus services, make bus stops more comfortable, safe and secure and create better linked up public transport and active travel options.

Infrastructure improvements that make public transport and active travel more attractive options will reduce congestion and free-up the roads for all users, including motorists.

This will build on the improvements already brought forward under the Bee Network, where bus services in these areas are now more reliable than under the deregulated system and vehicles are newer, cleaner and more accessible.

In Spring 2023, we asked people who travel between Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton what they would like to see. Most people told us that they would like to see a quicker and more reliable bus service, safe and more accessible bus stops and safer cycling routes.

This feedback has been central to the schemes and designs that are now being put forward for Oldham.

Oldham engagement

Proposals include a new signalised crossing at the pedestrian entrance to Royal Oldham Hospital and replacing the bus gate at the junction of Rochdale Road and Featherstall Road North with a cycle track connecting to Coldhurst Community Park.

Also proposed are improvements to the southbound bus stop near Turf Lane to enable cyclists to travel behind the stop, with zebra crossings across the cycle track allowing bus passengers to use the bus stop safely.

Meanwhile, the removal of the guardrail around the junction of Oldham Road with Turf Lane could enable the bus lane to be extended towards the junction of Oldham Road with Shaw Road and Broadway. This will also include some minor widening of the carriageway.

Further proposals include an extension to the existing  bus, taxi and cycle only section on King Street to help buses get into the correct lane heading into Oldham Town Centre. New pedestrian and cycle crossings could also be installed across all arms of the junction of Rochdale Road (A671) and Chadderton Way.

Royton consultation

An engagement exercise for Royton took place in spring 2024 and feedback from the public has been used to further shape the proposals that people in the town are now being consulted on.

Proposals for the town centre include removal of the right turn lane from High Barn Street to Rochdale Road to widen footways and reduce the time it takes for pedestrians to cross.

This would also mean the junction is more efficient for traffic and buses while still being possible to turn right from High Barn Street to Rochdale Road.

A new Oldham-bound bus stop with shelter could be installed next to 22 Rochdale Road to enable better access to the town centre, while cycle stands and new bench seating is also proposed for the entrance to Market Street.

As a result of people’s feedback, proposals have been revised to include retaining guard rails at points where pedestrians are most likely to encounter traffic and installed bollards at locations where vehicles are most likely to stop.

This would reduce obstacles on the pavement and remove a risk of cyclists and pedestrians getting caught on the wrong side of the guardrail next to traffic.

The broader benefits of investing in bus and active travel infrastructure include a boost to local economies, opening up job opportunities and increasing the number of people visiting the town centres and high streets along the route.

A recent report from the Confederation of Passenger Transport states the economic and social activities of bus users benefit the GM economy and society to the tune of £675 million a year

It is also estimated that walking, wheeling and cycling provides £453.6 million in economic benefits in Greater Manchester for our residents and the city-region.

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s Director of Bus, said: “These proposals are designed to improve journeys in and between Royton and Oldham for all road users and pedestrians, and have been shaped by the feedback we received from the public during previous engagement exercises.

“We know people want their bus journeys to be more reliable, comfortable and convenient and what we are putting forward aims to achieve that, while also making it easier and safer for those who choose to walk, cycle or wheel to their destinations.

“I would urge people in Oldham and Royton to have their says on these proposals so we can ensure their views are taken into account and deliver the improvements that will benefit these town centres.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “These proposals are an important step towards improving travel in Oldham and Royton, making bus services faster, more reliable and safer for everyone.

I am pleased to see plans that also support active travel, helping to create a more connected and sustainable transport system.

The feedback we receive from residents will be vital in shaping these proposals, and I encourage all residents to get involved in the consultation to ensure the final plans reflect the needs of our community, whether you’re walking, cycling or using public transport.”

The engagement and consultation periods on the proposals for Oldham and Royton respectively run until 31 March 2025.

People can have their say on the Oldham proposals online here: 

There are also the following drop-in sessions

• Oldham Town Centre (Spindles Shopping Centre)
• Date: Tuesday 25th Feb
• Time: 2pm to 6pm
• Date: Tuesday 11th March
• Time: 10am to 2pm

People can have their say on the Royton proposals online here: 

There are also the following drop-in sessions: 

• Royton Library
• Date: Thursday 27th Feb (to tie in with Market Day)
• Time: 11am to 3pm
• Date: Thursday 6th March (to tie in with Market Day)
• Time: 2pm to 6pm

People can request a paper copy of either survey – or either survey in an alternative language – via hello@beenetwork.com which can be returned to TfGM at Transport for Greater Manchester 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG.

Alternatively complete a survey over the phone by ringing 0161 244 1000 between Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm and Weekends and Bank Holidays: 8am to 8pm.

More information on proposals to improve journeys in Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton can be found here: