From Monday, 5 May, all Metro, Tassielink and Coal River Coaches services, excluding Wisby school buses, will return to the Channel Highway in Kingston, relocating from the temporary stops on Goshawk Way.
Mayor, Paula Wriedt said moving the buses back to the CBD would provide community members with safer and more accessible bus stops, closer to shops and health services in Kingston.
“The redesign changes on the bus interchange were coordinated with Department of State Growth (DSG), and Metro,” Cr Wriedt said.
“I understand from talking to many people that there are likely to be mixed feelings about returning the buses to the Channel Highway.
“Some community members would prefer to keep the bus stops where they are on Goshawk Way.
“However, if we let the buses remain on Goshawk Way, it will only make it more difficult for our most vulnerable community members to catch the buses.
“Our elderly and people living with disabilities need safe, accessible bus stops close to the shops and services.
“After the bus stop was built, onsite tests showed that changes were needed to make the site easier to use.
“These changes included widening a section of the footpath and curb to make easier for buses and safer for pedestrians.
“Tests were completed with the Department of State Growth and Metro to make sure everyone was on the same page before the buses moved back to the Channel Highway.
“I understand the feedback regarding the shape of the bus stop.
“Due to limited land options, Council designed the bus interchange with a bend to maximise space and remove the buses from Channel Highway.
“I know this has been frustrating for the community and I share this, and I apologise.
“We acknowledge we could have worked more closely with the department and ensured a more transparent process for working through the design and approvals process.
“A review of the project is being completed, and a summary of recommendations will be published in due course.”
The alterations have been costed at $70,000.
Please see poster below for map and bus routes.
