Rowen surveys Bus Station to launch 'Green Transport Week!'

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 was inundated with travellers and together with Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Rochdale Cabinet Member for 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 Rowen MP said, "We had a great response from the Bus Users who were happy that we were 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 look forward to travelling on various services in the Rochdale area and speaking to more travellers throughout the week."

Paul will be travelling on a variety of services in the Rochdale Borough this week, talking to bus passengers. He will be travelling on services throughout Rochdale including routes that have been reported to him including the 17 to Manchester, 456 to Wardle and the 434 to Balderstone.

Meanwhile, Paul has started Green Transport Week by tackling some of the issues that actually stop people from travelling on Public Transport. Paul said, "Green Transport Week is the time to start dealing with some of the reasons why people don't leave their cars at home. These include anti-social behaviour on buses, including things like smoking and other issues that put people off. We also need to look at Bus Deregulation and whether that is the way forward."

Paul spent the morning talking to a variety of users, plus Bus Drivers and Bus Station Bosses. 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. I would also 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.

"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. It is my job as an MP to actively consultant and speak to Constituents on a regularly basis and Green Transport Week is an ideal time to do this."

Look out for Paul throughout the week, if you see him or a member of the team, grab a survey and let him know how you think public transport can be improved in the town. 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."