Blackburn's new bus station
Date: 06/06/12
Blackburn with Darwen - Blackburn & Darwen
Answers to questions asked
Blackburn Bus Station - Question and Answers
The following Questions have been asked regarding the new Blackburn Bus Station. Issues and comments will be considered in advance of the planning process and through forthcoming detailed design development.
Q What are the timescales for the development of a new bus station?
Subject to Final Approval by the Department for Transport being granted to the Pennine Reach major transport scheme project the new bus station will be an immediate priority and work could begin as early as April 2013 and be completed by October/November 2014.
Q What will be the security features of the bus station?
The bus station will be covered internally and externally by a CCTV system and it is likely that this will be controlled and monitored within the building. Furthermore, as a managed facility there will be adequate staff on duty during the day to offer timetable advice and assistance to passengers and security in the evenings.
Artiste's impression of the exterior of the bus station
Q Where will taxis both private and hackney carriages be located?
It is envisaged that a taxi operation will be retained either on Church Street where there is an existing well used rank or in an area near the entrance to the bus station at the junction of what is currently Ainsworth St. Further detailed design and consultation will identify an appropriate solution in consultation with Taxi operators.
Q What are the plans for landscaping in the area?
Further detailed plans of landscaping in the area will be developed, however the proposals include the pedestrianisation of Ainsworth St to create a safe and attractive environment between the Markets/Mall and the bus station to cater for increased pedestrian flows in this area.
Q Will the bus station accommodate double-decker buses?
The canopy of the bus station is set at a height that will sufficiently cater for double-decker bus operation.
Q Will the bus station accommodate bendi-buses?
Having discussed the likelihood of bendi-bus operation in the borough with existing transport providers it is felt that it is highly unlikely that they will be introduced in the foreseeable future owing to highway and operational constraints. As a result the proposed bus station design will not accommodate bendi-bus operation. However provision could be made available along the front of the bus station and along railway road if a bendi-bus operation was to be later introduced.
Q Will buses using the bus station also use the mini interchange at the boulevard (front of Blackburn station)?
The majority of buses will serve both the Boulevard and the new bus station however there will always be some services which may terminate at the bus station, decided by the operator. However for people wishing to make onward journeys by train on services terminating at the bus station a frequent service between the Boulevard and the New Bus Station will be available.
Q What provision for bus lay over is there?
The present plans show three number lay over bays however the final design will incorporate additional lay over options for bus operators.
Q Will bus operators be charged for using the bus station?
It is likely that a nominal departure charge will be implemented for bus services using the new bus station. At present Transport officers are liaising with neighbouring authorities to identify a suitable charging regime which will help cover future revenue expenditure and maintain the facility.
Artiste's impression of the bus station's interior
Q How will the public toilets be managed?
Security within the bus station is of paramount importance and this extends to the public toilet facilities. The proposed toilet facilities will be of a high quality And having taken best practice advice from existing bus station managers a charge for the use of the facilities will be introduced (possibly 20p) and a comprehensive monitoring and cleaning regime will also be established in order to reduce incidences of anti social behaviour.
Q Will the bus station be heated and ventilated?
Passenger comfort is extremely important to the design and an enclosed glazed structure will allow for a naturally vented and heated environment.
Q Will seating be provided for the travelling public?
Ensuring a good quality passenger waiting environment is vital to the success of the bus station. Seating will be incorporated within bus station and at present the position of these seats is being decided. The proposed design indicates eight (8) seats per departure gate which is comparable with facilities at Burnley Bus Station which provides six (6) seats per bay.
Q What information will be available to the travelling public?
Included within the hub building will be a visitor centre which will offer travel advice and the ability to purchase tickets for immediate and future travel on local bus services or coach services. Large electronic passenger information screens will be located within the building providing real time passenger information and scheduled departure time information. Each departure gate will also have passenger information both electronic and paper based. Electronic journey planning units will also be installed in the bus station to enable people in busy times and during hours when the visitor centre is closed to plan immediate and future travel on local bus services.
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