Bristol, Bath and the West

Final preparations underway for the opening of Bath Bus Station

Final preparations are being made for bus operator First to take possession of the brand new, £14 million state-of-the-art bus station in Bath, which represents a major step forward for public transport in the city.

The transfer of equipment is getting underway and the first services are due to run out of the new bus station on the morning of Sunday 7 June.

The new bus station in Dorchester Street is the newest bus station in FirstGroup and will provide a safe, modern environment for customers and staff.

Constructed by Multi Development in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, and leased by First, the new bus station is at the heart of the citys SouthGate development. Its central location, right next to Bath Spa railway station, means customers will now be able to make easier connections between bus and rail.

The new bus station has been designed with safety in mind. For example, each of the 16 bays has its own remote-controlled door for safety, operated by drivers and inspectors. This builds on the award-winning safety record at the temporary bus station where First services have been based for two years.

Creating an energy efficient, accessible space was also central to the design. Energy-saving features such as movement-sensitive lighting in staff areas have been incorporated where possible, while in public areas the lighting system is designed to respond to levels of natural light flooding through the glass windows surrounding the building. The building is also designed to reduce the need for air-conditioning and has disabled access throughout.

Other facilities include:

An enclosed passenger concourse providing seating and shelter from the elements
A new information and ticket office
Customer toilets
Enhanced facilities for staff, including a new canteen, locker room and offices.

First Bristol, Somerset and Avon Managing Director Justin Davies said, "The move to the new Bath Bus Station will be a fantastic step forward for our services in the city. It provides customers and staff with much improved facilities in a bright, modern environment.

"We are committed to working with our partners in the city to promote public transport in Bath and deliver a real alternative to the car.

"With the redevelopment of the railway station also due to take place, the new bus station will be a key element in a truly integrated gateway to the city. We are grateful to customers and staff for bearing with us during the changes and hope they will enjoy using the brand new bus station."

Councillor Charles Gerrish, Bath and North East Somerset Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said, "Clean and modern twenty first century public transport facilities play a significant part in getting people out of their cars and onto public transport. Bath and North East Somerset Council sees the opening of the bus station as a major element towards delivering our £60 million joined-up plan to reduce traffic congestion in the district."

Jon Munce, Multi Developments Development Manager, said, "We are very happy with the end product on this element of the SouthGate development. It's an important and integral part of the development and we believe it is a fantastic addition to the public buildings in the city."

Information for customers:
Services will operate as normal up to and including Saturday June 6.

Leaflets and timetables are available from the temporary bus station. Information is also available from the 'service change' section of our website. Staff will also be on hand at the temporary bus station to re-direct customers on 7 June.