A £200,000 revamp of Bradford Interchange is underway.

Work has started on a new waiting room close to the station entrance, which will include seating, lighting, heating and a customer information screen.

The revamp, which is part of the National Station Investment Programme, funded by the Department for Transport, will also include glazed end panels at platform entrances and new seating on all platforms.

Station supervisor Gary Browes said: “It will be a big improvement for passengers. We have only got the old waiting room which is quite secluded. The new waiting room will be much better for passengers, particularly female passengers. They will feel much safer.”

Metro chairman and Bradford councillor Chris Greaves welcomed the revamp.

He said: “When it was opened the Interchange was the latest all-singing, all-dancing thing. It was a showpiece of its time because of the concept of being able to move from the trains and the bus without getting wet.

“But times have moved on and it needs a refresh. As with so many things, expectations have risen and it’s our job to meet these expectations. People want affordability, punctuality and comfort and this is addressing the comfort side.”

But James Vasey, chairman of Bradford Rail Users Group, said further improvements to the station were needed including a new roof, ticket collection points for internet-booked fares and level access to the bus interchange.

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