Smooth start for new Fleming Way bus interchange

Funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (£25m), the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund (£3m) and Swindon Borough Council (£5m), the £33m investment in Fleming Way has created a brand-new bus interchange to replace the dilapidated bus station.

Visitors arriving into the town centre by train, bus or bike will now enjoy a vastly-improved public realm, with 186 trees and more than 23,000 plants and bushes planted.

There are new bus shelters with more space to allow those in wheelchairs better access, wireless phone charging, digital screens (with Real Time Information for departures) and solar panels.

More than 30 local and regional bus routes will use the new facility, with National Express routes using a new dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.

New segregated cycle lanes have also been added, connecting the town’s two main cycle routes allowing cyclists to travel to, or through, the town centre.

Bus services started to run from the site from Sunday, 31 August, two weeks after the road opened to pedestrians and cyclists.

Andrew Sherrington, General Manager at Swindon’s Bus Company, said: “Our transition to the new Fleming Way transport hub has been very successful. Our services have run smoothly from the start of our operation here, and we have had positive feedback from our drivers. Bus passengers travelling through the hub also appear to be enjoying the efficiency of our services here, and the attractive new surroundings.

“We’re pleased this project, which is the culmination of an immense joint effort from all those involved, has got off to such an excellent start.”

Raj Chadha, Operations Manager at Stagecoach in Swindon, said: “Overall the transition has been very welcomed by our staff. Since moving to Fleming Way we’ve had very positive feedback.

“The new interchange has improved accessibility, created a safer and more welcoming environment and made bus travel in Swindon more convenient for everyone.

“Our drivers have adapted well, and it’s great to see the benefits of this investment already being a boost for the community as a whole.”

Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “It’s great to hear such positive feedback on the new Fleming Way, both from drivers and those using the new facilities.

“We know there’s more to do to improve the town centre but the successful opening of Fleming Way is just the first step in improving the whole area.

“Now the facility is fully operational, we’re turning our attentions to demolishing the old bus station and preparing the land for what we hope will be an even bigger for building a better Swindon.”