I agree with the principle of what you are saying, but in reality the bus station will still be right next to the train station so that isn't an issue at all.
And compared to other bus stations I often use (mainly Bristol and Bath), the one at Cardiff does seem to waste an awful lot of space.
The key to it's proximity will be the signage as you won't be able to see it from the station.
It is true that the current bus station does cover a larger area than maybe is necessary. However, I think that one reason is that there are often empty buses parked on the access side being made ready for use. I guess that if the new bus station is smaller, this won't happen.
I'll admit I'm not a big fan of the current layout of the bus station and I;m sur eit could be improved.
Sure, there is scope for improvement, but to move it completely is unecessary in my view.
According to the masterplan the bus station is not being moved a significant distance. Although not directly visible, all the new bays will be within a couple of minutes walk of the station entrance and most of them are arranged in a single row directly accessible on the level from the new square through a gap between buildings without having to cross any roads. As long as there's good signage for the buses, I think there's benefit in creating a nice pedestrian friendly public square free of traffic immediately in front of the station.
Newport by complete contrast in my opinion is a total disaster in which the needs of travellers parking in the Godfrey Road car park have been placed ahead of EVERYONE else: those accessing the city center; those interchanging with buses; even those changing trains there. An extraordinarily poor design concept also suffering from major build quality issues it appears. Whilst a better entrance on the Godfrey Road side was needed no doubt, that could have been built much more affordably with the old entrance retained for the city centre side.
You've hit the nail on the head with your comments about signage. You will not be surprised to hear that I also agree with your comments about Newport!
It is an issue when you have a smaller bus station thus getting less services running from there and have to try and find out where you can catach a bus to wherever. I think the Planning Decision on the BBC building is due to be made tomorrow but the new bus station is a separate planning application still to be submitted. Our newspaper today is full of letters from residents opposing the development. All against one !! The one being the Council.
Newport has a new bus station - or, at least, part of one; the rest is still being built! Whilst this is happening, the buses that don't use the station are scattered around the city centre. However, although there are leaflets saying where to catch your bus in the office (which, of course, isn't open all the time and can't be seen from the street), there are no signs anywhere giving this information. The result can be chaos, and I've missed buses because I've forgotten where they go from!
Personally I've never seen a pretty bus station and I think people forget what I bus stations purpose is when talking about these sought of things.
Indeed, but a true master plan for the whole area is needed:
How close for example will the BBC go to the front of the station?
Will it leave enough room for Network Rails envisaged redevelopment of the front of the station?
Will it leave enough room for the queuing system (during and after construction) which operates on match days?
Will there be enough space for some sort of public space/square?
Will there be room for drop offs and taxis - it would be bizarre if you cant do that at the front of the station.
I don't want a pretty bus station, but I do want an effective one!
I totally agree with your questions about the effect on the open part of the current Central Square.
