Rockhampton Region's bus routes just got a whole lot comfier with 22 brand new bus shelters thanks to funding from Rockhampton Regional Council and an injection of nearly $500,000 from the Queensland Government's Bus Shelter Program.
The newest additions to the regions bus routes have been installed at existing bus stops in locations across the region and have not only included shelters, but also concrete slabs, tactile ground surface indicators, upgrades to connecting footpaths, as well as seating and timetable holders for bus companies to use.
RRC Infrastructure Portfolio spokesperson Councillor Tony Williams said the new bus shelters, and their associated seating, will help to provide a much more comfortable and safer bus journey by providing much needed shade from the sun as well as a safe place to wait away from traffic.
"Warmer temperatures are just around the corner and I am sure residents will be extremely happy with the additional shelters to protect them from the Rockhampton heat while they wait for their bus," he said.
"These upgrades will not only benefit existing bus users, but it is also hoped that they will encourage more people to start using our fantastic public transport system.
"We are extremely thankful to receive funding from the Queensland Government to complete this important bus infrastructure upgrade for our community.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said investing in new bus stops and partnering with Council was about delivering better public transport for Rockhampton and supporting local jobs as the Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver the state's plan for economic recovery.
"When Queensland's bus driver of the year comes from Rockhampton, you know there's plenty to love about public transport in the beef capital," Mr O'Rourke said.
"It's great to see the two levels of government working together for better public transport in our community. I know these stops will mean more accessible public transport for all Rockhampton locals.
"This investment in better bus stops adds to the Palaszczuk Government's $371 million smart ticketing system, which will mean that in a couple of years' time commuters across Rockhampton will be able to use their smartphone, smartwatch, credit and debit card to catch public transport."
Cr Williams said there are 22 new shelters throughout the region so there's sure to be one near you, with an additional shelter at Denham Street to be installed later in the year.
"We will continue to apply for funding opportunities so we can extend the shelters further across the Region and continue to provide high quality and user friendly bus infrastructure for everyone.
"I am particularly pleased about the new bus stop on Yaamba Road, in front of Stockland, which was in dire need of updating after the previous shelter failed and had to be removed a few years back.
"The Stockland shelter has moved slightly from its old location to ensure it is level with the kerb which means it is now fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
"This bus stop was calling out for a much needed upgrade and is without a doubt one of the busiest in the region so it is fantastic to see this was prioritised as part of the project."
The locations of the new shelters were chosen based on road hierarchy, number of routes serviced by the stop, Disability Discrimination Act compliance, number of users, as well as proximity to commercial locations, community and aged care facilities.
Construction on the bus shelters commenced at the start of the year and all are now complete with the exception of Denham Street:
- Southbound on Yaamba Road in front of Glenmore Shopping Village
- McLaughlin Street opposite Glenmore School
- Southbound on Yaamba Road near the old Bunnings site
- Scott Street near Stenlake Avenue in front of Foodworks
- Scott Street near Richardson Road in front of Lawrence's Holden
- Richardson Road near Menzies Street
- Southbound on Yaamba Road at Redhill
- Northbound on Yaamba Road near Boland Street in front of Caltex Fuel Station
- Main Street near Twigg Street
- Northbound on Yaamba Road near Moores Creek Road out the front of Spotlight
- Northbound on Yaamba Road in front of Stockland's Rockhampton x 2
- Dean Street near Simpson Street behind North Rockhampton High School
- Thozet Road near Wiggington Street opposite Mt Archer State School
- Opposite Frenchville School
- Northbound on Musgrave Street near Miles St
- Northbound Queen Elizabeth Dr near Brown St in front of Subway
- New Exhibition Road opposite Rockhampton Showgrounds
- Jardine Street near Heath Street
- Hunter Street at Capelec Park
- Denham Street near West Street (to be installed towards the end of the year)
- Northbound on Lawrie Street at Conaghan Park
- Johnson Road near Charles Crescent
