TRANSPORT campaigners have labelled the £48 million price tag of Bolton’s new transport interchange “a rip off”.

Greater Manchester Transport Campaign (GMTC), which represents passengers’ interests have questioned why it will cost £23.5 million more to build the Newport Street facility than the award-winning new interchange in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

But Bolton project bosses claim the two projects are different and the Bolton interchange budget has been scrutinised.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), which manages the county’s transport network, came up with the idea and got Bolton Council’s approval for the scheme, which will replace Moor Lane bus station.

GMTC chairman Tony Fawthorp said: “It would appear Bolton councillors have merely rubber-stamped what has been recommended by TfGM.

“The price tag suggests Bolton’s councillors have little knowledge of interchanges elsewhere in the country.

“Barnsley’s has 24 bus stands, each with an automatic door over which is an electronic departure display.

“It is linked to the railway station by a long, fully enclosed overhead walkway with double lifts at each end and double escalators. Surely the extra land costs at Bolton don’t amount to an extra £24 million?”

GMTC member Jack Seddon, from Atherton, said: “It’s a rip- off. Come with me to Barnsley and see what they’ve got there.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said any points should be addressed by TfGM.

A TfGM spokesman said the Bolton interchange financial plan has been rigorously scrutinised and the £48 million will buy land, pay for a high-quality bus station, a walkway to the train station and improvements at Newport Street — and there will be money left over to cater for problems.

He added: “Officers have visited Barnsley to discuss its design and delivery with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive officers.

“The two projects are inherently different in terms of site topography, ground conditions, land issues, complexity and interfaces with the rail network.” TfGM’s programme management services manager Peter Boulton said: “By replacing the Moor Lane site with a modern facility right next to Bolton railway station, we will be providing better links between rail and bus services, as well as much-improved passenger facilities, information and security.”