First Buses in Bath are now carrying posters saying that the new bus station will open on 7 June 2009.
It will be next to the rail station which is good and although it isn't the prettiest building it is better than the old one and the passenger facilities will be better (automatic doors and electronic departure boards)
I was surprised to see that tarmac has been laid on the "bus apron". Presumably this is cheaper than laying a concrete surface but I predict that it will wear out very quickly.
I'm on the First Bath Bus User Customer Panel - meeting every couple of months, providing feedback into the bus operation and receiving feedback in return. Although the bus station was only opened less than 10 years ago, there are a number of issues that arise making elements of its operation less that ideal. In no particular order, grumbles include:
* Mobile phone / WiFi dead zone
* Awkward to manoeuvre buses out at times
* Road network jams getting buses in and out
* High bus mileage in area due to one way systems
* Use of bus station as a though route for some buses (pass through do not call!)
* Lack of maps
* Lack of bays
* Lack of seating
* Lack of customer ambassadors
* Information area out of way
* Screens distant and show limited infomation (typically only destination)
* Screens do not include buses just outside
We should note it's not all negative ...
Solved ... pidgeons and their droppings
Good ... location for town and for railway connections
The bus station address is 10 Dorchester St. But buses stopping in front of it on Dorchester Street aren't show on the departure boards. "Bath bus station serves as part of an integrated transport interchange for the city of Bath, Somerset, England."
You have a glorious mixture of bus station landlord, bus operators and BaNES all with various responsibilities and a need to interface ... and with multiple bus operators the need to co-ordinate for use of facilities, yet not allowed to talk too much or they'll be accused of having a cartel. Co-ordination from BaNES is somewhat lacking as they're manpower short - they have a Strong team of one as I understand it with a job that really needs multiple people.
Teething troubles, growing pains, elements not fit for purpose, or unreasonable expectations? Both passngers and operators are distinctly frustrated by some of the items I list above.
