Ashton bus station to be turned into transport interchange

Work is to start next week on building a new transport interchange at Ashton Bus Station in Greater Manchester. The new interchange – to be delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Tameside Council – will feature a covered concourse, with seated waiting areas, as well as electronic information screens.

It will have shops, fully accessible toilets, baby-changing provision and enhanced passenger security including CCTV. There will also be improved taxi facilities.

During the construction period, by contractor VINCI Construction UK, bus services will continue to run, but some bus stops will be temporarily relocated in the bus station or on nearby roads. These arrangements will be in place until the new transport interchange opens, which is expected to be in the spring of 2020.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “A new transport interchange will play a big part in improving our transport system as well as bringing real social and economic benefits to Ashton and the wider Tameside borough.

“Once complete, it will offer more comfortable waiting areas, as well as a light, bright and safe environment for passengers. It will support wider regeneration plans for Tameside by providing better connections to employment opportunities, health, education and leisure.

“This is just one part of a wider strategy to make travel easier across Greater Manchester. We’re investing heavily in the transport network, including interchanges, extending Metrolink to Trafford Park and the intu Trafford Centre, and encouraging more cycling and walking through Cycling and Walking Commissioner Chris Boardman’s ambitious ‘Made to Move’ vision for the region.”