Passengers promised smoothest ride possible after Rotherham Interchange closure

BUS bosses have vowed to make their short-term switch from Rotherham Interchange to Forge Island as smooth as possible.

The interchange closed on Sunday, heralding the start of a £12 million refurbishment of the transport hub.

Services will run from nearby Forge Island for up to a year, with 12 bus stands complete lighting, seating, a covered waiting area, CCTV and a customer service desk now up and running at the old Tesco site.

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A cash and card ticket machine is available at Rotherham Interchange but customers can only buy tickets by card at Forge Island.

Tim Taylor, director of customer services at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), said: “We're aware that the closure will affect customers and that's why we’ve built a temporary facility at Forge Island, around 300 metres away from the interchange itself, to accommodate bus services and minimise disruption.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to make sure passengers are kept well informed about where to get their services from. 

“Information is already available online and at the interchange itself. 

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Interchange staff will be on-site ready to help with queries and customers can contact Traveline through twitter or by giving them a call.”

Some services will run from Corporation Street, where new stops and shelters have been installed.

SYPTE said shutting the interchange meant the rebuild could be carried out quicker and it should be finished by next spring.

The refurbishment was ordered after concerns about the crumbling structure of the multi-storey car park above the bus station, which was itself badly damaged by an arson attack two years ago.

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The new interchange will have new lighting, glazing, seating and information displays, plus new flooring and improved CCTV.

The car park will have new surfacing, bigger spaces for modern cars, designated walking routes and new cladding. 

During the works, the café, shops and customer toilets will remain open. 

 

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