The stand changes happening this week at Ashton bus station

Passengers who use Ashton bus station are being warned that services using certain stands will finally be moving, as work on the new £13 million Interchange nears completion.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) say services will move to accommodate construction work for the new transport interchange, which is set to open in spring this year. 

These are the changes, which come into effect from Thursday 27 February:

• Service 348/350 from stand G will move to a new stand A on Wellington Road (opposite National Tyres). 
• Service 346 from stand D will move to stand E. 
• Service 236/237 from stand E will move to stand P on Wellington Road. 
• All services from stand A will move to stand G. 
• Service 230 and coaches will move to stand D. 
• Service 7 and 217 from stand B will move to a new stand B on Wellington Road. 

The changes were due to happen on 11 February but were postponed because of the recent inclement weather. 

A spokesperson for TfGM said: "As work progresses on Ashton-under-Lyne’s modern new interchange there will be some changes to temporary bus stands and services from start of service on Thursday 27 February.

"There’s information on bus stands and people can visit https://tfgm.com/ashton-interchange and follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter to keep up to date. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience as we enter the final phase of works for this exciting new gateway to the town." 

A map of where you can find your bus service from Thursday 27 February

TfGM say these new arrangements will now be in place until the new transport interchange opens and apologise for any inconvenience to passengers. 

Part of the bus station is already closed to allow for the construction of the new transport interchange, which began at the end of June 2018 and is progressing well. 

The bus station Travelshop and the Ashton-under-Lyne Metrolink stop are operating as normal throughout construction, while the footpath next to Oldham Road is still closed. 

The new interchange - which is being delivered by 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, as well as improved taxi facilities and secure cycle parking with a cycle hub. 

An artist's impression of what the new transport interchange in Ashton is set to look like

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "The 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." 

The development - which is being carried out by Vinci Construction - is being funded by central Government through the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal Programme.