JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - BETTER BUS STOPS ON THE WAY FOR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

A $1.6 million NSW Labor Government funding injection is delivering safer, more accessible and improved public transport infrastructure in regional communities across the state.

The Government is getting on with the job of building a better public transport system in regional NSW by investing in the roll out 149 new regional bus stop improvement programs as part of the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Scheme.

From Ballina to Bega, and Wagga Wagga to the Warrumbungle Shire, bus stops owned and maintained by 27 councils will benefit from additional funding that will allow for the installation of:

• tactile ground surface indicators
• security lighting
• improved kerbside access
• better timetable boards and
• new bus stop seating.

In some regional communities, new funding from the NSW Labor Government will allow new bus stop shelters to be built to provide better comfort, security and weather protection to public transport users.

For a full list of councils and the funding amounts they’ve received visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/country-passenger-transport-infrastructure-grants-scheme

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government’s investment in regional bus stops and shelters will help make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility issues to get to work, school, the shops, health care and social opportunities.

“Senior citizens, parents using prams and the community at-large will also benefit from the upgrades this funding is delivering.

“I want to thank all the councils who applied for funding and share our passion for improved public transport infrastructure in regional NSW.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“Funding for a new bus shelter in Chaston Street is a good start to what I hope will be a program of ongoing improvements to our public transport network.

“As Wagga’s population grows towards a target of 100,000 within less than three decades, we can expect increasing demand for bus services to enable people to move efficiently around a busy city, so now is the time to begin the implementation of better facilities and get feedback on how to improve our local bus services such as through the government’s recent bus passenger forums and consultation.

“Generally, regional communities across the state will benefit from better transport services so I welcome the government’s investment in this area and look forward to further improvements to encourage more people on to public transport.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Dallas Tout said:

"We thank the NSW Government for their contribution to Wagga Wagga's public transport infrastructure with the funding for this new bus shelter on Chaston Street.

"This funding for either upgrades to existing bus shelters or construction of new bus shelters will encourage an increase in usage of public transport in the city. In addition, the inclusion of accessibility features under this funding will encourage broader use of the stop.

"The addition of bus shelters throughout regional NSW encourages the take-up of public transport as the shelters provide a safe and comfortable waiting place for passengers."

MEDIA:

Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540