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Lane is still waiting for a bus – 18 months on

15/ 2/2007

THIS PUZZLING picture captures what has been baffling commuters for more than 18 months.

The clearly marked bus lane, which should run into the modernised station, has never been used despite the state-of-the-art development being open for more than 18 months.

New signs have been erected telling motorists the lane is for buses only - but as yet no public transport vehicle has been near the road.

The traffic lights which should be allowing buses to glide easily into the bus station from the specially adapted lane have been covered since the multi-million pound station was opened on 31 July 2005. And what should be the second entrance to the station is blocked by fencing, building debris and parked cars.

At the moment buses have to circle the station to drop off and pick up passengers at the correct stands.

Numerous motorists have complained over the situation, but Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has said the lane should be open in the coming months.

GMPTE's interim projects director, Paul Griffiths, said: "It has always been our aim to have a second entrance to Middleton Bus Station to make it easier for buses to get passengers to the right stands.

"We delayed building the second entrance off Middleton Way to make sure that construction traffic still had access to the shopping centre development.

"The shopping centre extension is now complete so we can get on with building the second entrance. We are now looking at tenders for the work and hope that buses will be able to use the new entrance later this year."

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