THE borough's controversial new guided busway is on track for completion – and here's the proof.

Project bosses have started testing buses on a 1.5km section of the route on guided concrete ‘tracks’ between Leigh and Ellenbrook.

Work began on the £68m bus-only route in September 2013 and the aim is to cut journey times from Leigh to central Manchester to less than 50 minutes.

Construction on the 4.5-mile busway is expected to be completed before the end of the year with services to passengers starting early in 2016.

A spokesman for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “Construction on the Leigh to Ellenbrook guided busway is now nearing its final stages and as such we have started testing on certain parts of the route.

"It’s essential that we conduct these tests on completed sections in preparation for operational readiness.

“Testing will take place from time to time right up until actual services come into operation early next year.

"It’s a genuinely exciting time for us as it means we’re closer than ever to opening up Greater Manchester’s first guided busway for passengers.”

Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh, said he was pleased the busway was nearing the end of completion.

He said: "I am glad that the end is in reach. It has been a long time coming. I have been in talks with TfGM and I am trying to arrange some free transport for people so they can try it out, in recognition of the people who have had to put up with a lot of hassle in the making of this busway.

"I want people to keep an open mind. It has got to be better than what we have got now and I am hopeful that it will not only benefit commuters but will benefit Leigh town centre as well."

Mr Burnham is hoping to start a marketing campaign for Leigh to tie in with the opening of the guided busway to attract people to the town. He added: "We have got to take this as a positive and celebrate it.

"I am conscious that people are still sceptical about it but I will ensure that TfGM are held to account on their promised travel times. I think it is time for us to embrace it."