Public consultation on Bolton bus station underway

A consultation on plans to create a new transport facility on land next to Bolton railway station is currently underway.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, in partnership with Bolton Council, is inviting comments on the proposals, which involve the creation of a new bus station on land bounded by Newport Street and Great Moor Street.

The new bus station would replace the existing station at Moor Lane and aims to offer improved links between rail and bus services, as well as improved waiting areas, passenger facilities, accessibility, information, and safety and security.

Views are being sought on the proposals ahead of an outline planning application being submitted to Bolton Council's planning department this coming spring.

The facility could be operational by winter 2014/2015, subject to it securing the necessary approvals and permissions.

Cllr Richard Knowles, chair of Greater Manchester integrated transport authority's capital projects committee, said: "The current bus station at Moor Lane is quite some distance from Bolton railway station so people tend to choose one or the other.

"By bringing them together we can make it easier for people to switch from the bus to the train, and vice versa, helping them to make their full journey by public transport. We'd also be providing a modern, high quality gateway into Bolton, which will play an important part in driving the regeneration of the town centre, in partnership with Bolton Council.

"The designs are still at an early stage and the feedback from this consultation will help us to develop the detailed proposals, so I would encourage everyone to take part and have their say."

The scheme is being funded through the Greater Manchester Transport Fund and forms part of Bolton Council's town centre regeneration programme.

The consultation will run until 5 March 2010 and an exhibition of the plans will be displayed at Moor Lane bus station Travelshop between Monday 25 January and Friday 5 March.

It will be staffed by representatives from GMPTE and Bolton Council on Thursday 4 and Tuesday 9 February, from 12pm to 7pm.