Rochdale's transport revolution

Posted By: Peter Davison
Date Posted: 28/10/2009

I am sure that those local residents that have seen the artists impression of the Town's new bus and Metrolink interchange will have been delighted.

When it opens in 2012 it will provide users of public transport with a state of the art facility that will be a vast improvement on the bus station which they currently have to endure. It is widely recognised that our current bus station, built in the early 1970's, is amongst the coldest and most depressing places in the North of England. The new plans have therefore been drawn up in full consultation with user groups and bus operators with the specific aim of putting the travelling public first.

As anyone who has experienced the improved facilities at Middleton will know passenger comfort is the first priority of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority. This passenger orientated appraoch is clear to see from the plans for our new station and was at the forefront of the design process.

When you consider that this is a long overdue improvement in public transport provision for Rochdale then the £11.5 million cost is, I am convinced, an investment which represents excellent value for money.

I can assure you all that as a member of the Transport Authority and as a user of public transport myself, I will continue to push for a top class service for residents be it bus, rail or the long awaited Metrolink. After all if we are to totally succeed in the regeneration of our town centre then an accessible and user friendly transport system is vitally important to support and achieve this.