Bolton Council is asking people for their views on bus and rail services, roads, walking paths and cycle routes, to help guide millions of pounds worth of investment over the next 15 years.
A new transport strategy has been drafted with proposals for a high-quality, safe, accessible and affordable transport system that people of all ages and abilities feel confident using.
Linking up different ways of getting around into an integrated network has been marked out as a priority.
Rail proposals support the electrification of the route to Wigan and working with partners to improve the capacity and frequency of services, including introducing early morning and late evening services direct to London.
Among the priorities for buses are improved services to hospitals, health facilities and retail parks, services that support the evening economy and shift workers, and safer bus stops that are accessible for disabled people.
Better walking and cycling routes in district town centres, improvements to public rights of way, and safer walking and cycling to the university are also in the proposals.
For roads, the top priorities are better maintenance, improved safety, protecting parking to support district centres and reducing congestion with improved traffic signal technology.
Looking to the future, the plan proposes to increase the number of electric charging points for vehicles, especially in areas with less off-street parking.
As transport is the biggest source of greenhouse gases in Bolton, responsible for over a third of emissions, the plan also targets ways to reduce its impact on climate change.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s recently launched Vision Zero strategy aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and life-changing injuries by 2040 and Bolton’s transport plans will make an important contribution.
Funding for transport comes from the central government and is not linked to council budgets or council tax.
Bolton Council Executive Member for Transport, Housing and Highways, Cllr Hamid Khurram, said:
“Our vision of Bolton as a great place to live, work, visit or study relies on having an efficient and reliable transport system.
“We need it so that businesses can grow and bring jobs and prosperity.
“And we need it so that all people have the confidence to make their journeys safely and conveniently.
“This strategy will shape transport in Bolton for years to come, so it is vital that people let us know what they want us to focus on.”
The transport consultation runs until Friday, March 26, and is available on the council website.