Wolverhampton’s £120 million Interchange plans will receive a boost next week when National Express relocates its coach operation into the city’s state-of-the-art bus station.
The move on Sunday, June 5 will relieve congestion around the operator’s current stop on Pipers Row and clear the way for enabling works to start this summer on the Midland Metro extension.
New tram stops are proposed at the soon-to-be redeveloped railway station, and either side of Pipers Row, near Castle Street, directly outside the bus station.
National Express – the UK’s largest coach operator – has worked closely with City of Wolverhampton Council and Centro to make the £22.5 million bus station its permanent home for scheduled coaches.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: “We are delighted National Express have agreed to operate from the bus station.
“The move will change traffic patterns for the better in the Pipers Row area of the city.
“It is an exciting time for the Interchange project in Wolverhampton, with partners working closely together to deliver a transport hub that better connects people.”
The bus Interchange offers a host of enhancements to the tens of thousands of coach passengers who choose to travel from Wolverhampton each year.
This includes enhanced passenger safety through on site CCTV, and improved accessibility as a result of a designated coach stand and loading point with automatic doors that open when alighting and boarding.
In addition the relocation offers excellent Interchange opportunities between coach and bus as well as Metro and rail, real time information is available at the main entrances for buses, trains, coaches and trams, and National Express and Centro staff are co-located within the travel shop to provide tickets and customer assistance.
National Express UK Coach Managing Director, Tom Stables, added: “This move to the Interchange is great news for customers travelling from Wolverhampton.
“The new facility brings with it a whole host of enhancements such as high quality waiting facilities open 24/7, on-site security, CCTV coverage and improved accessibility.
“Meanwhile passengers also stand to benefit from increased connections to the local bus, Metro and rail services, bringing added convenience to all.”
Pete Bond, Centro Director of Transport Services, said: “We are delighted that through working in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council and National Express we have been able to help facilitate a move that will be of great benefit to passengers.”
