Transport chiefs' commitment to Rochdale bus passengers

Date published: 24/01/2005

Transport chiefs have reaffirmed their commitment to improving bus facilities in Rochdale, after government’s recent decision not to fund a £10.8 million bid for a major transport hub in the town’s centre in the coming financial year.

Today’s meeting of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority’s Policy Committee released £25,000 to take forward a study which will identify options for improving bus passenger waiting facilities in the town centre. The work will be carried out by GMPTE, Rochdale Council and the Rochdale Development Agency.

The move follows an unsuccessful major scheme bid submitted to government under the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan, proposing the development of a major transport interchange on the opposite side of Smith Street to Rochdale’s current bus station – adjacent to the proposed new Metrolink stop.

It was hoped that the new transport interchange would form the first phase of a wider package of regeneration measures aimed at revitalising Rochdale town centre. Councillor Allen Brett, Deputy Chair and Rochdale spokesperson for the Authority, said: “The Rochdale Transport Interchange scheme was a major transport priority for the county in the recent Local Transport Plan bid for government funding. As such, the Authority is extremely disappointed that the scheme did not represent a sufficient priority for government funding approval at this stage.

“Rochdale’s bus passengers deserve considerably better facilities than they have at present. Despite a number of improvements over recent years the current bus station is, at the very least, in need of a major overhaul to make it more attractive to users.

“We are committed to improving bus facilities in this town and today’s release of funds will allow officers at GMPTE, the council and the Development Agency to identify a way forward for the bus station plans.”  

A future meeting of the Committee will receive a report back on the options identified as part of the study now being taken forward.