BOLTON will get a new bus interchange, plus improvements to train stations and more frequent services, under plans for the Manchester congestion charge.

Supporters of the controversial proposals have pointed to the benefits a share of the resulting £2.8 billion would bring to Bolton.

Improvements planned as part of the Transport Innovation Fund bid include:

  • Moor Lane bus station being relocated to create a state-of-the art transport interchange next to Trinity Street railway station, which will also undergo improvements.
  • Rail stations at Lostock, Hall i'th' Wood, Bromley Cross, Blackrod, Westhoughton and Daisy Hill would be refurbished and new platforms built at Lostock station, providing a direct link to Wigan.
  • More carriages would be introduced on peak-time trains to increase capacity.
  • The Horwich Parkway park and ride facility would be extended, creating an extra 90 spaces.
  • There would be a new bus service linking Bolton, Farnworth, Kearsley and Manchester, running every eight minutes.
  • Local bus services would be improved across Bolton, including improved services to the Middlebrook area.

Across Greater Manchester, one of the major schemes backed by the Fund would be the extension of the Metrolink network, with up to 35 kilometres of new lines.