Next stop: bus platform works

SIX Ballarat bus stops are to be upgraded as part of a State Government initiative to improve public transport accessibility.

The works aim to make taking the bus easier for aged and disabled travellers with changes to include the installation flat concrete waiting areas and ground surface indicators to assist mobility or vision-impaired travellers.

The project has been funded with $5 million from the 2022/23 State budget, with aims to provide greater accessibility at about 80 bus stops statewide by June 2024.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said the program will allow more people to utilise the city’s bus network.

“We’re removing barriers and increasing accessibility at key bus stops in Ballarat ensuring more people can get to where they need to go using public transport,” she said.

The bus stops are located on Howitt Street in Wendouree, the corner of Rowe Street and Peel Street North in Ballarat East, and Peel Street North in Black Hill.

The project is part of a State Government initiative to upgrade Victoria’s bus network, with more than 2800 stops built since 2014.

Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll, said the Government is seeking to make transport accessible throughout the state.

“Whether it’s modern and accessible trams, trains and buses, upgrading tram and bus stops or improving train stations, improved crossings or better paths, we’re working hard to make Victoria’s transport network more modern and inclusive,” he said.