FIGURES have revealed more than three million passenger journeys have been made on the guided busway in the last year.

The service has led to 7.8 million passenger journeys since the Leigh to Ellenbrook line was launched in April 2016.

The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) found that there are around 580,000 fewer car journeys in the area.

TfGM says the statistics are "positive news" in improving air quality and reducing congestion.

After the launch of the Greater Manchester Congestion Deal last year, and in response to increasing passenger demand, additional bus services were added in October 2018.

There are currently 32 buses scheduled to arrive in Manchester city centre between the peak hours of 7am and 9am.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: “This significant landmark of three million passenger journeys a year is testament to just how successful the guided busway has been since its introduction in 2016.

"Patronage has grown year upon year to the point where extra services have been added to cope with the demand – proving what an attractive and viable travel option it is.

“It is clear that, by providing a combination of segregated infrastructure, high quality vehicles and reliable services, buses can deliver a positive solution to changing the way people travel, tackling congestion and improve air quality.

"I’m committed to investing in the bus market so we can continue to improve the customer experience and encourage people to leave the car at home.”