Passengers travelling on Manchester Metrolink will be able to enjoy far easier interchange with buses at Ashton-under-Lyne from Sunday 30th August with the new Interchange due to open for 90% of bus services. The £32.7 million has been built to provide easier interchange between different modes of transport and will be able to accommodate more bus services than the previous bus station as well as providing a centralised concourse which will reduce walking time for passengers.
The Interchange has been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester in partnership with Tameside Council and funded with support from central government’s Local Growth Deal programme.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, commented: “As a city-region, we have faced a year of unprecedented challenge in the face of the pandemic, so I’m delighted to be able to announce the opening of this impressive and transformational facility. Not only will it have a real positive impact for the borough in terms of regeneration and boosting access to employment, education and leisure; the modern and simplified facilities will hopefully make public transport an even more attractive option for people in Tameside in the long-term. It’s another step towards creating the world-class connectivity that Greater Manchester needs to enable us to get more cars off the roads, reduce congestion and improve air quality.”
Improved facilities now provided include a covered concourse and waiting area, electronic bus, Metrolink and rail information, accessible toilets, baby changing and Changing Places facilities, retail units, CCTV and secure cycle parking.
Construction had begun back in June 2018 and is on the site of part of the old Wellington Road Bus Station along with land acquired next to the site. There is capacity for up to 145 bus departures an hour and has cost £32.7 million.