Bus stops and shelters are set to be improved in WA thanks to a new combined funding agreement
Bus users in Perth and Peel should see and improvements to bus stops and shelters as part of a new joint funding model.
Transport minister Dean Nalder says $500,000 is available through the Bus Shelter Subsidy Program, now the Public Transport Authority (PTA) and the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) have agreed to help councils maintain bus stops and shelters.
This will ensure a more coordinated effort to maintain the 12,500 bus stops in Perth and Peel.
“The state government provides an extensive bus network around Perth and Mandurah which is a big investment every year to operate,” he says.
“We recognise that many local governments also contribute by investing funds to provide bus shelters which greatly benefit not only their ratepayers, but also all Transperth passengers.”
The agreement would clearly establish the responsibilities of both the PTA and local government for planning and managing bus stops, bus shelters and their associated maintenance.
Often a bus routes run between several local government areas which caused confusion about which authority was responsible for maintenance costs.
This new arrangement will also help in the planning stages when councils propose traffic easing measures and other work that affects bus services, Nalder says.
Another factor was compliance with disability standards for accessible public transport and who should pay for works required to bring facilities up to standard.
“There has been uncertainty about who is responsible for some aspects of bus stop infrastructure, especially in relation to shelters, seats and bins, so this arrangement should make it clearer for all involved,” Nalder says.
The move marks the first time formal arrangements have been made for the proper planning and maintenance of bus shelters and bus stops for the Perth and Peel regions.
Funds will be allocated to councils based on the number of bus shelters they maintain.
It is hoped that the newly available funding will also encourage local councils to build new bus stops and shelters in areas where they are needed most, as well as maintaining existing facilities.