READERS of Local Ipswich News recently asked why the local council wasn’t providing more sheltered bus stops.
No doubt the recent cold snap was behind the calls to our office.
HERE IS COUNCIL’S REPLY
As Queensland’s fastest growing city, Ipswich Council has been advocating with the State and Federal Governments for a better public transport network.
Our population will more than double from the current 240,000 to more than 550,000 by 2041 and we need more buses and train services and an improved road network to cope with this growth.
Public transport services in Ipswich are administered by the Translink Division of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Any changes to public transport services, such as route changes and bus stop installation and removal, are the responsibility of Translink.
Council does install the bus stop infrastructure in consultation with Translink and during 2021-22, council installed 13 new bus shelters.
There are about 700 bus stops in Ipswich – council does not hold the exact data on how many have bus shelters or not. But it is not feasible to install bus shelters at every bus stop.
There are many factors that determine the suitability of a bus shelter, including bus patronage and site constraints.
Bus stops with shelters require a larger concrete slab and take up a larger footprint on the footpath and grass kerb area. As every stop is unique, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach and costs would vary.
Neither Translink nor council has investigated costs associated with installing bus shelters at every bus stop.
Bus stops are factored into new subdivisions when they are being assessed by council.
Council requires developers to liaise with TransLink where we believe bus stops are required within new developments.
