Swindon’s Fleming Way bus interchange has marked its first anniversary, with the town’s two main bus operators praising the impact the £33 million project has had on passengers and public transport.
The interchange opened to the public on 30 August 2025, replacing the town’s former bus station, which had become increasingly tired and run-down before being demolished.
Twelve months on, more than three million bus journeys have either started or passed through the new interchange, underlining its importance to Swindon’s transport network.
More than 30 local and regional bus routes now use the facility, while National Express has its own dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.
The new interchange has also brought a more open and accessible public space to the town centre. Shelters have been designed with additional room for wheelchair users, while real-time information screens provide passengers with up-to-date details about their services.
The scheme has also introduced segregated cycle lanes, linking two of the town’s main cycle routes and allowing cyclists to travel through the town centre more easily. Cycle racks have proved popular with those using the new routes.
Away from the buses, the development has added a new toilet block, with artist HazardOne giving the outside walls a colourful makeover. HazardOne and fellow artist Squiggly Ink have also created murals along Fleming Way, adding a splash of colour and celebrating Swindon’s creative scene.
The project is also being credited with helping to encourage further investment around the town centre.
FI Real Estate is investing millions of pounds in its neighbouring Tri-Centre buildings, while the Government has pledged £20 million towards a new entertainment venue on the site of the former bus station, subject to approval of the business case.
Councillor Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, described Fleming Way as one of the town’s biggest success stories of the past year.
He said: “Fleming Way has been one of Swindon’s biggest success stories of the past year.
“Not only is it a major improvement on the old bus station and Fleming Way, but it’s helping to unlock development sites right next door and throughout the town centre.
“It’s been an impressive first year with millions coming through the new facility and I look forward to more coming in once further development happens, especially with plans for a new entertainment venue nearby.”
Stagecoach, one of the main operators using the interchange, has also welcomed the changes.
Raj Chandha, Operations Manager at Stagecoach, said the transformation had brought “significant benefits” for both passengers and the wider community.
He said: “The improved infrastructure has enhanced the customer experience, strengthened the reliability of bus services and created a more welcoming gateway into Swindon.
“Stagecoach is proud to have worked alongside Swindon Borough Council and project partners to make this vision a reality and we look forward to building on its success in the years ahead.”
Stagecoach has also opened a new Travel Hub at 1 Newbridge Square, just off the north side of Fleming Way near stops R and S.
The staffed facility brings back an information counter for passengers using services in the town centre.
Swindon’s Bus Company has also given the new interchange its backing.
Operations Manager Dave Hall said: “The transition to the new Fleming Way Transport Hub has been a great success.
“The new interchange has significantly improved accessibility, provided a safer and more welcoming environment, and made bus travel more convenient for customers.
“Drivers and passengers alike are benefiting from the increased efficiency, modern facilities, and attractive surroundings that the hub now offers.”
With more development planned around the town centre, the Fleming Way interchange looks set to play an increasingly important role in how people travel into and around central Swindon.
For a project which began by replacing one of the town’s less-loved landmarks, its first year has certainly been a busy one.
