MOTORISTS in Trafford are being encouraged to swap the car for a bus journey during national Catch the Bus Week from July 3 to July 9.

According to First Manchester, one of the firms involved in the initiative, it claims that the 57 per cent of drivers using their car, spend an average of one hour commuting every working day.

First provides five reasons why it would be better to switch, including it being a better way of keeping fitter, the bus journey was less stressful and made commuters feel happier as a result, less cars on the road would reduce pollution and a discounted travel ticket on offer during the week.

Phil Medlicott, managing director at First Manchester said: “Attracting more people to get out of their cars and use public transport, will help to reduce emissions on the roads, but some people still believe that buses are bad for the environment, when in fact a bus with an average double decker bus produces less pollutants per passenger than a full car.