Work is starting today (30 March) on a new travel hub that will make it easier to get on the Bee Network.
The hub will triple the capacity of park and ride facilities in Tyldesley for the ever-increasing number of people using the Leigh Guided Busway, with new electric vehicle (EV) chargers, cycle storage and parcel lockers to be installed at the Astley Street stop.
CCTV and lighting will also be fitted so that passengers feel safe at all times of the day, while a new office for Busway staff means they will have more of a presence at the site.
It comes after night bus services were introduced on the V1 route from Manchester Royal Infirmary to Leigh via the Guided Busway which has boosted its popularity.
The Leigh Guided Busway, which was launched almost a decade ago, is estimated to have reduced the number of car journeys on our roads by more than 600,000 a year since 2017 with up to 25% of its passengers having switched to travelling by bus.
Since the launch of the Bee Network in 2023, which saw more V1 services introduced, the bus route has experienced a 13.8% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers.
The new travel hub, which will add an extra 99 parking bays at the site, aims to address concerns from residents and local traders about on-street parking in the town centre.
It is part of a new approach to make travel by public transport in Greater Manchester more attractive and reducing the use of cars. Another travel hub is planned in Hindley.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham committed to delivering a new parking facility at Tyldesley to support the Leigh Guided Busway in his 2021 election manifesto.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“The Guided Busway has been a huge success story for public transport in Greater Manchester – and now the Bee Network is making it even better.
“We’ve listened to residents and businesses who have expressed concerns about parking in Tyldesley, in part due to the popularity of the V1 and V2.
“Expanding park and ride facilities here will ease pressure on parking in the area and help get even more passengers on the Busway and the wider Bee Network.”
In total, there will be 148 parking spaces available at the Tyldesley travel hub, including 18 with access to EV chargers, 10 accessible bays and cycle shelters for up to 16 bikes.
A pick-up and drop-off area will also be created at the existing park and ride facility.
To make way for the new park and ride, some trees on land south of the Busway will need to be removed, but these will be replaced with even more trees to be planted.
The current park and ride will remain open until work on the new facility is finished. There will be no disruption to services on the Guided Busway while work takes place.
Work is expected to be completed by late October.
Cllr Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services, and transport at Wigan Council, said:
“Tyldesley Travel Hub is a significant development as it will not only encourage more usage of public transport – a major aim of the council – it will also help to reduce on street parking in and around Tyldesley town centre.
“Tyldesley and its businesses have seen great benefits from the Guided Busway in recent years, and after listening to resident’s concerns, the travel hub’s increased parking bays will help the town centre become a safer and more accessible place to work, shop, and visit.”
(Picture: Bee Network/TfGM)
