South Lancs Travel is to operate the popular 597 daytime Leigh bus service on a commercial basis, Monday to Saturday, from July 8.
The 597 links Leigh Sports Village with the town centre and infirmary on a half-hour frequency. The service is currently provided by TfGM and has been part funded by Wigan Council in a bid to kickstart new local links with Leigh Sports Village with short term developer funding. The company currently operates the evening and Sunday services and will continue to do so although these are still subject to subsidy from TfGM.
Wigan Cllr Mark Aldred, Chairman of TfGM’s Bus Network and TfGM Services Committee, said: “This is a positive move from South Lancs Travel and I’d like to thank them for taking the initiative to provide this important local service. It’s great to see the 597 playing a role as part of the commercial bus network.”
A new route for journeys to Leigh Infirmary will run via The Avenue, Holden Road and Platt Fold Road instead of directly along The Avenue. Journeys to Boothstown on weekday evenings, Sundays and public holidays will stay the same.
