Bus customers in rural and regional NSW are about to benefit from more than $2.09 million in funding for better, safer bus stops to improve public transport accessibility.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme supports local councils and local community groups to upgrade the bus stops they own and maintain.
The latest grants under the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Scheme will see 475 bus stop improvement programs rolled out across 19 regional Local Government Areas.
“These upgrade works include installing aids such as guide rails, tactile ground surface indicators, security lighting, improved kerbside access, better timetable boards and new bus stop seating,” Ms Aitchison said.
“In some locations, new shelters will be built providing better protection from the elements and greater comfort and security for those waiting for a bus.”
The grants will fund councils and community groups to carry out the works, including 122 new shelters and 353 bus stop upgrades. Many of these projects will be undertaken in small towns and villages.
“Many people in the regions rely on buses to get to school, appointments or to connect with larger regional centres and other modes of transport such as trains.
“By making bus stops safer and more accessible, we are building a public transport network in the regions and making a positive difference for customers, including those with vision or impairments and in wheelchairs.
“These improvements will also benefit the wider community, from school children to parents with prams and older people, in fact, anyone who uses our public transport network.”
Ms Aitchison said the scheme is designed to support communities in regional NSW, which do not enjoy the same access to public transport as those in metropolitan areas.
“This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to more accessible public transport infrastructure across the state and I’m pleased to announce this latest round of grants, totalling more than $2.09 million,” Ms Aitchison said.
Two New England councils have taken up the funding opportunity, with Gwydir Shire Council recieving $103,500 to complete 69 upgrades and Tamworth Regional Council being awarded $86,500 for 8 upgrades and the construction of 7 new shelters.
For more information on CPTIGS including a breakdown of the latest round of funding, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/country-passenger-transport-infrastructure-grants-scheme
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