New Rochdale facilities double satisfaction

Overall user satisfaction has doubled since the opening of Rochdale’s new interchange, according to an independent survey of passengers. A survey of over 200 interchange users carried out in May 2014, six months after the opening of the new facility, found 98% of those asked were satisfied overall with the facilities. A corresponding survey carried out in March 2013 had found that just 48% of those asked were satisfied overall with the facilities at the old interchange.

Notable improvements identified since the arrival of the new facility include satisfaction with protection from the weather, ease of buying tickets, good access, signs to direct passengers to other forms of transport, safety waiting for a bus at night and having staff available at the interchange at all times. The surveys did identify areas that need improvement, with 6% of those asked dissatisfied with the toilet facilities, 5% dissatisfied about cycle parking facilities and 4% dissatisfied with the range of cafes, shops and newsagents. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is currently working with Rochdale Council to improve cycle parking facilities at the interchange while a coffee shop is also due to open this autumn.
The £11.5m interchange, which was developed by TfGM and supported by Rochdale Borough Council and the DfT, recently won the Lancashire Regional Project of The Year Award at the North West Regional Construction Awards event.