Fleming Way bus interchange reaches one-year anniversary

Originally opening to the public on 30 August 2025, the £33m scheme has improved public transport into Swindon’s town centre and across the Borough.

The interchange has created a welcoming public realm space, replacing the tired and dilapidated former bus station, which has since been demolished.

The bus shelters are accessible with more space to allow those in wheelchairs better access and each shelter has real-time information screens for passengers. More than 30 local and regional bus routes have been using the new facility, with National Express routes using a new dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.

Segregated cycle lanes also form part of the scheme, connecting the town’s two main cycle routes allowing cyclists to travel to, or through, the town centre with the cycle racks regularly being utilised.

A new toilet block was built, with artist HazardOne painting vibrant murals on the outside making the area blend seamlessly together with similar artwork elsewhere on the site. HazardOne and fellow artist, Squiggly Ink, also painted bold, additional murals along Fleming Way highlighting the thriving creative scene in and around Swindon.

As well as improving the town centre’s main transport hub, the regeneration scheme has helped unlock private sector investment and the potential of surrounding sites. FI Real Estate is investing millions of pounds in its adjacent buildings at the Tri-Centre to attract new businesses, while central government has pledged to provide £20m to fund a new entertainment venue on land previously occupied by the former bus station, subject to the approval of a business case.

Since its opening, more than three million bus journeys have departed from, or passed through, Fleming Way, highlighting the important nature of this interchange to Swindon’s wider public transport network.

Councillor Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Fleming Way has been one of Swindon’s biggest success stories of the past year.

“Not only is it a major improvement on the old bus station and Fleming Way, but it’s helping to unlock development sites right next door and throughout the town centre.

“It’s been an impressive first year with millions coming through the new facility and I look forward to more coming in once further development happens, especially with plans for a new entertainment venue nearby.”

Raj Chandha, Operations Manager at Stagecoach, said: “One year on from the opening of Fleming Way, the transformation has delivered significant benefits for public transport users and the wider community.

“The improved infrastructure has enhanced the customer experience, strengthened the reliability of bus services and created a more welcoming gateway into Swindon.

“Stagecoach is proud to have worked alongside Swindon Borough Council and project partners to make this vision a reality and we look forward to building on its success in the years ahead.”

Stagecoach also recently opened its new Travel Hub, accessed from the north of Fleming Way, at 1 Newbridge Square (near stops R & S). Bringing back a staffed information counter for users of services within the town centre.

Dave Hall, Operations Manager at Swindon’s Bus Company, said: “The transition to the new Fleming Way Transport Hub has been a great success.

“The new interchange has significantly improved accessibility, provided a safer and more welcoming environment, and made bus travel more convenient for customers. Drivers and passengers alike are benefiting from the increased efficiency, modern facilities, and attractive surroundings that the hub now offers.”