Calls for additional temporary bus stops during tram works

A Rochdale Councillor has called for additional temporary bus stops to be placed on Molesworth Street whilst the Metrolink works are being carried out.

Buses that would usually travel into Rochdale town centre via Drake Street are being diverted via Molesworth Street to the bus station.

However, Councillor Dale Mulgrew, says that the diversion means people wanting to alight to visit Drake Street have to wait until they arrive at the bus station before they alight.

He has suggested to Transport for Greater Manchester that temporary stops on Molesworth Street would allow passengers to alight sooner and give passengers easier access to Drake Street.

In a letter to transport bosses Councillor Mulgrew said: “…This enquiry is to whether any temporary bus stops can be placed on Molesworth Street, so that passengers do not need to remain on the bus to the Town Centre, and can still, on a temporary basis, alight at a stop, albeit temporary, which allows them access on to Drake Street.

“This also would assist with some of the bus passenger traffic having easier access to Drake Street and mitigating further some of the general trend which is currently being experienced by traders on Drake Street with regards to access for them from customers.”

The Chief Executive of Transport of Greater Manchester, David Leather, responded to Councillor Mulgrew’s suggestion via letter.

He told him that TfGM Route Department had been in touch with Rochdale Highways and Greater Manchester Police to ascertain whether it would be possible to place a temporary stop on Molesworth Street.

Mr Leather added: “There are a number of concerns regarding the placement of a temporary stop at this location and we are therefore continuing to liaise with Rochdale Highways department to address these concerns and further assess the options available.

“Rochdale’s Traffic Manager has expressed concerns regarding the potential site for the stop due to the nearby traffic signals.

“Furthermore, the stretch of road in question is currently under a Clearway order which will need to be amended.

“Given these matters, it is not possible to confirm whether the siting of an additional temporary stop will be possible; however, we will continue to liaise with Rochdale Highways Department on this matter…”