Andy Burnham must fix Manchester's buses to cut pollution now

In the United Kingdom, Manchester has been undergoing significant changes in its public transportation system. As part of an initiative that began in September 2023, the city is witnessing the return of buses into public control for the first time in nearly 40 years. This transformation includes the deployment of hundreds of new yellow buses, recognized for their visibility in the city. The introduction of these vehicles aims to replace a fragmented and deregulated system that has long been a source of frustration for residents. Andy Burnham, the city’s mayor, has positioned this effort as part of a broader commitment to enhance the public transport infrastructure instead of merely imposing clean air zones. As the new buses prepare to hit the roads, their impact on pollution and the daily commute is being closely watched, raising questions about the effectiveness of public transport improvements in addressing environmental concerns. The final stage of this initiative is geared towards optimizing the bus services, creating a network that efficiently serves the commuting population while simultaneously aiming to reduce congestion and emissions. Local officials and the community are hopeful that these changes will not only relieve some of the transportation pressure but also contribute positively to the overall air quality in and around Manchester.