Drivers 'threatening boycott' of Hanley bus station as council trials new layout
COMMUTERS and shoppers are being warned to allow extra time for journeys from Hanley bus station as the city council trials controversial changes which will see the number of bays cut by almost a third.
Transport groups say drivers are angry that the new £15 million station will include only 22 bus bays – down from the current 31.
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Hanley's new £15m bus station. Picture: Chris Huthwaite
They fear some drivers will bypass the station altogether on routes through the city centre.
The Sentinel revealed last month how 83 spaces are to be lost at Hinde Street car park to make room for stationary buses waiting to change drivers – because they will not fit into the new station.
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Stoke-on-Trent City Council is to trial the changes at the existing bus station in a bid to avoid chaos for passengers when the new station opens in January.
It has already postponed the planned autumn opening to avoid disrupting festive trade as passengers and drivers get used to the changes.
Selwyn Brown, below, chairman of North Staffordshire transport group Aces, said: "The bus drivers are telling us that they have great concerns that the new bus station is simply not going to be big enough and there are going to be lots of problems getting in and out of it.
"They are certainly not happy and say it is possible they will use the routes around the station rather than going into it.
"We can only echo what the drivers are telling us and they are not pleased with the size. We will simply have to wait and see what happens."
From Sunday, nine fewer bays will be used, to mirror the new station design, and services will be concentrated on the central concourse bordering the East West Precinct.
It means passengers will have to board most services from a different part of the station, while bays are also being relabelled with letters instead of numbers.
Passengers are being asked to arrive early to avoid missing their regular buses. Station staff have been briefed on the changes to allow them to advise confused passengers, and leaflets with new departure details are being handed to visitors.
A First Buses spokesman said: "The city council will be changing the layout of the existing bus station in Hanley, resulting in most bus services department from different stands to their current location.
"It is therefore important that people check which stand their bus will be departing from, either by looking at the list of services above each stand, or by asking a member of city council or First staff who will be there to help during the first few days."
Councillor Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "We're doing this so both passengers and staff can get used to a different layout before the new bus station opens.
"These new arrangements are being put in place well ahead of the move.
"This new bus station will provide purpose-built public transport facilities in the heart of the city. It will be a marvellous gateway to the city centre, creating a great impression for those visiting the area."
The new station, which will include improved passenger waiting areas, a refreshment kiosk and toilets, is the first phase of Realis Estates' plans for the £350m City Sentral shopping centre on the site of the former East West precinct.
Comments
by Happydays68
Monday, October 08 2012, 3:10PM
“I don't smoke but how many places do go and see staff outside and nothing is said but as for the drivers it's wrong at the end of the day those who smoke get paid for doing it what ever job they do and the hours lost is huge. And those who don't work on and get nothing back !”
by I_Norris
Sunday, October 07 2012, 9:27PM
“Happydays: there being given a superloo on Hinde St. But if they suppose to spend whole break over on Hinde St it not much of a rest for them.”
by warren-lloyd
Sunday, October 07 2012, 7:12PM
“Peeings not been talked about, I would not mind a driver taking a pee, its only human, as long as they point it my way. If they wish to smoke as they relive there bladder, I strongly suggest they remember witch end to light up.”
by Happydays68
Sunday, October 07 2012, 6:37PM
“And as for them not using the new bus station if they feel it is not going to be safe to use why should they put there selves at risk and the passengers because a council can't get things right remember that the council say what the bus company does not first so take it out on them most of the drivers want to do the job yes there are a few who don't. But they are being asked to things that are not in the interest of others”
by Happydays68
Sunday, October 07 2012, 6:33PM
“I have heard that drivers are not to leave the bus and to me if they have to sit there for 4 hours and not allowed to pee is not right would you put up with that so why should they”
by warren-lloyd
Sunday, October 07 2012, 5:33PM
“As for the fags, I was on the 26 from Heartshill the other week going to Meir, and the guy got off in Stoke and lit up, nipped it half way, then got off in Longton and had the other half.”
by warren-lloyd
Sunday, October 07 2012, 5:26PM
“Why have you got such a problem with the name of the most famous highway man Sentinel, firs you ban his very common first name, then his not offencive at all second.”
by warren-lloyd
Sunday, October 07 2012, 5:16PM
“Must have been a few months ago Redpitlad, it would do her for £2 now, £1 with a pass before 9.30am and after 11pm, its free between 9.30am and 11pm with a pass. Dreadful I know, an its the main problem with public transport in the city. At least Richard ****** had the class to use a mask as he commited highway robbery.”
by Redpitlad
Sunday, October 07 2012, 4:46PM
“My mother in-law caught a bus from the bus stop on Bucknall new road opposite Somerfield road to the bus station she is 75 years of age and suffers from osteoarthritis on boarding the bus she realised she had forgot her bus pass..on asking how much the fare was she was told £1.90,
I measured it on Google pedometer and its 0.42 of mile! yes less than half mile!! ever likely people don't use them,
I have not been on a bus since 1986..but when on holidayer in turkey this year three of us jump on the local bus to travel 5 miles to another town, the cost 9 Turkish lire that's £3.00,bit of difference!!!
and may I add its 10 years since I've been on a train and that was only to pick up a new car from Manchester and again before that it was 1986, I'm afraid the car is king with me and will remain so given the over priced public transport.”
by I_Norris
Saturday, October 06 2012, 4:22PM
“Deluded. I see two possible problems
One: extra time taken for drivers to travel from Hinde street to Stations rest room and back again could lead to delays. Yes Hinde Street will have a superloo, but for hot food drink drivers will need to walk or catch Park n Ride service.
Two: 130 buses and hour use the station at present with seperate entrance and exit. The new station has joint entrance/exit and numbers going in and out will be even greater due to the additional ones leaving just to park up.”