10,000 bus passengers per day are expected
On Saturday 29 November 2008, Transport for London will open the brand new White City bus station.
The Shepherd's Bush Interchange will also open to buses, making it easier for passengers to switch between bus and Tube services in the area.
Eight local bus routes will be extended to serve the bus station (see opposite) and route 316, which currently runs between Cricklewood and St Charles Hospital, will also be extended to White City.
The bus station will handle 135 bus movements every hour across nine routes and will serve around 10,000 passengers every day. Facilities include male and female public toilets and one disabled public toilet, all with baby changing facilities. There is also a bus station supervisor's office and bus drivers' rest room facilities.
TfL say the White City bus station will provide a convenient interchange between buses and the new Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City line) station, and will bring several extra bus routes within walking distance for residents of the White City Estate and the BBC Television Centre.
They say shoppers heading to and from Westfield will also benefit, as White City bus station is immediately next to the north western entrance to the shopping centre.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Despite a collective tightening of the nation's wallets, the Capital's buses are defying the economic downturn as passenger numbers continue to rise. This superb new bus station will be a real boon for local people and for shoppers going to Westfield. The marvellous use of the historic Dimco buildings ties the old with the new and makes this a building that White City can really be proud of."
The bus station, constructed by Westfield, has been built around the Grade II listed red brick Dimco buildings, which date from 1898. During the construction of the station, the buildings' facades and interiors were fully restored. A stand for twelve buses has been provided in one of the buildings.
Dick Halle, Director of Strategy for Surface Transport, said: "This modern bus station has been designed to be easy to use for all passengers with consideration for those who are older, disabled or weighed down with shopping, pushchairs or baggage. Nine bus routes have been extended to serve the bus station and interchange which will provide improved bus links to the local area."
TfL say the Shepherd's Bush Interchange will provide easy connections for passengers wishing to change between bus services and the Central line, or London Overground services to Clapham Junction, Willesden Junction and Watford Junction.
26 November 2008
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