MULTI-MILLION pound schemes to improve public transport around Bolton - including a rail link to the new Bolton Wanderers stadium - were being discussed by transport chiefs today.

If the plans are approved by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) a rail halt leading off the main Bolton-Preston line will be built to take fans and shoppers to the Middlebrook sports and leisure development.

Other plans include a 'bus-way transport scheme' which would create a dedicated bus-only lane from Leigh to Bolton via St Helens Road. It would include computer linked timetable boards similar to those on the London Underground telling commuters exactly how long they will wait for the next bus.

If the capital plans are approved a new rail station could be built at Dob Brow, Westhoughton to cope with increasing demand for services from the west side of Westhoughton.

Also on the agenda is a plan to build another platform at Lostock train station which would mean passengers could get trains to Wigan. Currently commuters can only travel on the Bolton-Preston line.

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