MORE than 80 bus stops in the Tamworth region are in for a safety facelift.
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While it’s on the back of increasing public transport use locally, there’s no plans to increase services yet.
Tamworth Regional Council has secured $70,000 from the NSW government to improve its “highest priority” public transport facilities.
There’ll be no delay on the bus-stop makeover with council traffic committee chair Phil Betts anticipating all 81 projects to be done within the next six months.
“The staff have contacted all of the bus companies and various community groups to ascertain the highest priority,” Cr Betts said.
“Community safety is paramount for Tamworth Regional Council and the state government.”
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the upgrades were “quite timely” with public transport numbers climbing in the region and growing school numbers.
One suburb in particular pinpointed for rapid growth.
“Calala is one of the fastest-growing areas in Tamworth itself,” he said.
“So we’re seeing more and more people use public transport, so to be able to upgrade the bus shelter here is quite timely.”
But Mr Anderson said there were no plans to increase public transport services yet.
“We’re constantly talking to our bus companies right across the Tamworth electorate, in terms of what services are being offered from a school bus perspective, as well as a community bus service network,” he said.
Community safety is paramount for Tamworth Regional Council and the state government.
- Councillor Phil Betts
“There are more kids going to school so these provide safe areas for them to get on those buses.”
Council’s $70,000 grant was part of more than $2.8 million splashed across the state in the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme.
There will be a range of work done at the 81 sites, including new seating, timetable and information boards, tactile indicators, security lighting and one completely new shelter to be built on Warral Rd.