Rowen survey launches Green Transport Week in Rochdale

Date published: 13/06/2006

Rochdale MP and Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Paul Rowen, has kick-started the events in Green Transport Week by doing his own survey of bus passengers at Rochdale Bus Station.  Paul spent the morning talking to a variety of users, plus bus drivers and bus station bosses and together with Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Rochdale Cabinet Member for the Environment and Sustainability, handed out over 1000 surveys to people travelling into and out of Rochdale.  This is the first stage of Paul Rowen's events aimed at improving the bus services in Rochdale.

Paul said: "The public were largely positive and the fact that we handed out so many surveys showed that people will have plenty to say.

"We had a great response from the bus users who were happy to be consulted on a variety of issues.  These include frequency of service, reliability, cost, the condition of buses and other issues such as anti-social behaviour and where bus stops and shelters are situated.  We also need to look at bus deregulation and whether that is the way forward. I hope that people will play a part in this consultation and I would encourage the residents of Rochdale to contact my office to get a copy of the survey - you can call 01706 712 186 and we will post you one or email: rowensbussurvey@rochdalelibdems.org.uk and we'll email you a copy."

He added: "I look forward to travelling on various services in the Rochdale area and speaking to more travellers throughout the week." 

Look out for Paul throughout the week; he will be travelling on a variety of services in the borough this week, talking to bus passengers, including the 17 to Manchester, 456 to Wardle and the 434 to Balderstone.

The GMPTA have agreed to look at the results of the survey and will take them into consideration when looking to improve the various bus services that serve Rochdale.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Cllr Wera Hobhouse, has ditched the car for Green Transport Week.  Wera, who will be travelling on her bike for the week said: "It is important that people look to alternative ways of travelling other than by car.  Travelling by bike for example can not only improve the environment but also your own health.  Unfortunately, on Monday morning I got soaked on my way to assist Paul Rowen MP in carrying out his excellent survey.  This didn't dampen my spirits though and I was delighted with the response we got."