Ministerial opening for major new bus station in Middleton

Transport Minister Derek Twigg unveils a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new bus station

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Transport Minister Derek Twigg visited Middleton's state-of-the-art new bus station today, praising it for bringing bus travel in the area into the 21st century.

Welcomed by local politicians and bus users, Mr Twigg unveiled a plaque to officially commemorate the opening of the station, which came into service at the end of July.

The £4.5 million bus facility, located in the heart of Middleton town centre, has been funded by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and developed by GMPTE. It replaces the former bleak 1970s station and has a unique modern design, modelled on airport concourse principles.
 
The emphasis on improved facilities and the comfort and safety of passengers is enhancing the overall journey experience for thousands of local bus users and encouraging more people to give the bus a go.
Mr Twigg said: "This demonstrates Government's commitment to improving transport infrastructure and will provide benefits to bus passengers.

"The new bus station at Middleton has been designed to make the whole bus journey as comfortable and accessible as possible, which will encourage more people to take the bus.

"Buses have improved their design over recent years, but passengers don't just want comfort on board - they also want better waiting facilities and I am delighted Middleton bus station will provide this."
Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Authority, welcomed Mr Twigg to Middleton, saying: "Bus stations need be more than functional if we are to attract more people to use public transport. They need to offer a comfortable, safe and secure environment for people to wait for their services in.
"Middleton bus station is extremely impressive and the Authority is committed to building more of its kind throughout Greater Manchester in the years to come."

Heywood and Middleton MP, Jim Dobbin, and Leader of Rochdale Council, Allen Brett, also joined the Minister to take a tour of the station. The party also looked at one of the new vehicles being operated by First on the 17 service running on the Rochdale - Manchester Quality Bus Corridor.

Mr Dobbin said: "My constituents are delighted with the new bus station, which is a world away from the older bus facilities they've used for years. It's a striking building and has become a focal point in the town centre. The bus station is something for local people to be proud of and I'd like to thank the Minister for taking the time to visit us today."

Councillor Brett, who also serves as GMPTA's Vice-Chair, added: "Good public transport often acts as the catalyst to regeneration in an area and this is certainly the case with Middleton. The station has been a massive boost for local bus passengers and has played a significant part in the overall regeneration of the town centre.

"Major improvement works are due to start on the extension of Middleton shopping centre in a few months and there are also plans for the development of a new civic and leisure centre for the town."

Before designing the new station, GMPTE consulted with local people, user groups, businesses and bus companies and their input was essential in shaping many of its features.

The station has 13 bus stands and can accommodate up to 146 bus services an hour. It has an eye-catching metal roof, extensive glazing and automatic doors to all entrances and exits.

A comprehensive CCTV network monitors the station round the clock, whilst bright lighting and clearly defined crossing points also enhance passenger safety and security.

GMPTE staff the station from 7am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 7pm on Sundays. Additional facilities include public toilets and a walk-in Travelshop, where passengers can get travel advice and buy tickets in a warm, friendly environment from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. A newsagent will open at the station in the near future.

Bus users can get further information on services by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Lines are open from 7am to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 8pm at weekends. Textphone users should ring 0870 241 2216.