Local Link shared minibuses

Service update - Wednesday 4 May 2022

The R1/R8, R9/R10 and 457 bus services in Rochdale from Wednesday 4 May 2022 are being replaced in the evenings by a Local Link service. This service will serve the same route but will only run when pre-booked in advance and will be operated by minibuses. Passengers using this service can travel free of charge until the end of May 2022.

To register for this service, please call the Customer Contact Centre and let them know which service number you would like to register for. You can also complete an online registration form, please specify your preferred route, R1/R8, R9/R10 or 457.

Although pre-booking is required for Local Link, the service will run at similar times to previous timetables. To ensure that your booking is for an approximate time as listed, please check the relevant timetable for more information.

Face coverings still welcome

Face coverings are no longer compulsory, but in line with government advice they are still suggested and are welcomed on public transport including Local Link.

Local Link offers a flexible transport service for local journeys in areas where public transport services are limited. Book a shared minibuses to travel anywhere within a Local Link service area.

You can book your journey between 1 hour and 7 days before you want to travel. You will be picked up within ten minutes either side of the agreed pick up time. You must let us know if you need to cancel your journey as far in advance as possible.

Who can use Local Link

Local Link is available to everyone, there are no restrictions and you don’t even have to live in the Local Link service area.

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Where you can go

Local Link can take you anywhere within an individual service area.

You can use Local Link to connect you to a bus stop, tram stop or train station, within the service area, to continue your journey.

Register for Local Link

If you are a new customer, you need to register with Local Link before you can use the service. Registering is free and you can do this online, or by calling TfGM on 0161 244 1000.

Book a journey

Once you are registered you can book your journey online, or over the phone on 0161 244 1000.

Please book your journey at least one hour before you want to travel. You can book up to 7 days in advance. Trips are allocated on a first come first served basis and are subject to availability.

When you ring to book you will be given a scheduled time. All passengers must be ready to travel ten minutes before the scheduled time. The vehicle can arrive from 10 minutes before to ten minutes after the scheduled time.

Your journey may take longer if there are other passengers, because we’ll need to take time to pick up or drop off other people on the way.

If you need to arrive by a specified time, for example when travelling to work, please inform us when booking and we will be able to schedule in this requirement.

Tickets and prices

You can buy single and weekly tickets from the driver in cash. If paying with cash, try and have the right amount.

System One and Get Me There AnyBus tickets are accepted on Local Link.

You must hold an igo card to travel using a child ticket.

Children under five and holders of a travel plus pass for disabled people travel free.

Adult single	£2.65
Adult weekly	£21.20
Child single	£1.30
Travel pass for older people concession single before 09:30	£2.65
Travel pass for older people concession single after 09:30	£1.30
Travel pass for older people concession weekly anytime	£10.60
Travel pass for disabled people concession single anytime	£1.30
Travel pass for disabled people concession weekly anytime	£10.60

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Luggage, wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Please let us know if you wish to bring luggage when you book your journey so we can check it can be carried in the vehicle available.

Similarly, please let us know if you have a wheelchair at the point of booking so we can provide a suitable vehicle.

Mobility scooters require at least seven days’ notice and we will require the make and model so that we can check dimensions against available vehicles. If necessary we can conduct a home assessment to confirm your scooter’s suitability for carriage.

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Pets

You can bring your pet with you provided it is suitably under control or carried in an appropriate container. You must tell us you want to bring your pet when you make your booking and it must not cause any hygiene or safety issues. Animals are not allowed on the seats, must not block any aisles and remain your responsibility at all times. All assistance dogs are permitted.