Crucial steps to remove barriers and provide better access to public transport for people with disability are coming to fruition as 22 bus stops throughout the region are being enhanced and made more accessible.
The bus stops were identified for upgrade by Bundaberg Regional Council, which has been provided with funding support from the Passenger Transport Accessible Infrastructure Program (PTAIP) and Passenger Transport Infrastructure Investment Program (PTIIP).
The upgrade also includes installation of new shelters which have all been manufactured in Queensland with eight of them built by local companies Alliance Industries and Grillex.
Council Roads and Infrastructure urban portfolio spokesperson Cr Larine Statham-Blair said the program would ensure existing bus stops were brought into full compliance with disability standards and implement general enhancements.
“This initiative underscores Council’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, transforming existing bus stops in the Bundaberg Region to meet higher disability compliance standards through the Passenger Transport Accessible Infrastructure Program,” Cr Statham-Blair said.
“The upgrades under the Passenger Transport Infrastructure Investment Program will not only enhance the safety and convenience of our bus stops but also ensure they are fully accessible to all members of the Bundaberg Region community.
“Council is committed to improving accessibility throughout the region and our infrastructure improvement plans reflect this.
“As time progresses, so do the standards by which infrastructure is built. This program addresses the need to update older infrastructure to meet modern safety and efficiency requirements.”
Council Roads and Infrastructure rural portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said the upgrade of bus stops across the region provided the community with more transport assistance and clearer destination names.
“These upgrades to bus stops around the region will enhance the use of public transport and encourage more locals to take the bus,” Cr Trevor said.
“In addition, all bus stop J-poles throughout the entire region will be upgraded to the new standardised Translink style.
“The upgrade will include revising bus names in line with the rest of the state.
“Instead of using the road name where the bus stop is located on, the new names will be based on the nearest cross street or landmark.”
The following 22 bus stops are being upgraded:
Installation of compliant concrete slabs, shelters, J-poles and tactile pavers:
• Holland Street at Clarke Street
• Mount Perry Road at Botanic Gardens
• Elliott Heads Road at Taylor Street
• Goodwood Road at Searle Street
• Barolin Street at Sims Road
• Moore Park Road at Maultby Street – new bus stop (including verge sealing)
• Branyan Drive at Glen Appin Drive – new bus stop
• Whalley Street at Davidson Street – new bus stop
• Orlabah Avenue at Pacific Gardens Park – new bus stop
• Searle Street at Riedy Street
• Searle Street at Brooklyn Street
• Queen Street at Steuart Street west – new bus stop
• Queen Street at Steuart Street east – new bus stop (including pathway connection)
Installation of shelters, J-poles and tactile pavers:
• Mulgrave Street at Walker Street north, Gin Gin
Installation of shelters at:
• Wattle Street at Sunset Drive (including pathway connection)
• Maryborough Street near Bundaberg Central School
• Barolin Street at Walker Street
• Barolin Street at Lamb Street
Installation of J-poles and tactile pavers:
• Crescent Street at Apex Park, Childers
• Mulgrave Street at Walker Street south, Gin Gin
Access improvement:
• Woongarra Scenic Dr at Logan Street
• Croft Street at Bauer Street – relocation of the existing bus stop (including verge sealing)
The improvements to these 22 bus stops are being made with support from the Queensland Government’s Passenger Transport Accessible Infrastructure Program, and the targeted Passenger Transport Infrastructure Investment Program funding deeds.
The initiatives are designed to provide funding assistance to local governments with the goal of ensuring existing passenger transport facilities conform to disability standards and availability of accessible passenger transport service for new suburbs.
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I really think it’s great to update existing buss shelters & also putting in new ones.
I would like to bring to the attention of councillors that there is a need for more areas that the busses service, a lot of people now live in the Kepnock Belle Eden, Santuary park areas I’m feel there would be a welcome for more routes in these areas, it might keep cars off the roads that seem to be getting congested
It’s fantastic to see that 22 bus stops across the region are being upgraded! Improving accessibility and comfort, especially for people with mobility challenges, is a crucial step in making public transportation more inclusive. The addition of better seating, shelter, and accessibility features is sure to enhance the experience for many passengers. I’m also curious about the structural aspects of these upgrades—making bus stops more resilient to wear and tear seems like a long-term investment for the community.
Are there any specific materials or structural designs being implemented to ensure the durability of these bus stops, especially considering the local climate and the potential for extreme weather conditions?
Why can’t council improve bathroom facilities for bus drivers instead of them having to run into shopping centres. Disgraceful.
Is Council considering installing bus stop shelters in Bisdee Street Coral Cove, I spoke with someone from Council about 12 months ago, and they stated that the bus stop in question which is nearly opposite Tulipwood Place was to be shifted to a new location in Bisdee Street and a shelter was to be erected then, that has not happened to date. Due to the fact that more and more students are moving into the area and catching school buses at that stop in particular, it should be a priority. I have seen students getting wet during rain whilst waiting for the school bus to arrive due to the fact there is no shelter. I have noticed that Bisdee Street is not included in Council’s list of current upgrades.