CAMPAIGNERS have called for a new bus service to be rerouted through Tameside Hospital.
The new 388 between Stalybridge and Ashton-under-Lyne is billed as providing increased frequency and improved connectivity for people living in the area.
But the fact it will stop on Darnton Road, rather than close to the facility’s entrance, has raised concerns it may impact elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers.
Now Philip Wilson-Marks, the Green Party campaigner for Stalybridge North, has called on Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to consider a reroute.
He has asked if they can allow the 388 to use the existing bus stop on Fountain Street, which is already used by other services.
He said: “Firstly, I want to welcome the introduction of the additional 388 service between Stalybridge and Ashton-under-Lyne.
“Increased bus frequency and better connectivity will be a real benefit to many people in our local community.
“However, I am concerned that passengers travelling to Tameside General Hospital will be required to get off on Darnton Road and then make their way across a busy road before continuing on foot through the hospital grounds.
“For someone who is young and able-bodied, that may not seem like a major issue, but for an elderly person, someone with reduced mobility or a disability, a patient attending an appointment, or someone accompanying a vulnerable relative, that additional journey can make accessing the hospital considerably more difficult.
“There is a practical alternative. The Fountain Street stop is already served by other services and provides much closer access to the hospital entrance.
“I am therefore asking TfGM to look at whether the 388 could be routed through the hospital and serve it.
“I appreciate that bus routes have to take account of operational, traffic and other practical considerations. But where a relatively straightforward change could make public transport more accessible to people trying to reach our local hospital, I believe it deserves serious consideration.
“Ensuring that the service also provides practical and accessible access to Tameside General Hospital would make that improvement even more valuable to local residents.”