FUNDING FOR MORE ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The Palaszczuk Government is improving the accessibility of public transport facilities across Queensland through a $3.2 million investment program.

The Sunshine Coast will see 61 bus stops upgraded across the local government area as part of the project, which will see almost 260 bus stops upgraded across 16 local government areas.

This is to support a target of all bus stops being accessible by the end of 2022. Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the Palaszczuk Government was working closely with local councils to ensure that objective was reached.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating a better, more integrated transport public transport network that is accessible to everyone,” Mr Skelton said.

“Whether it’s parents pushing prams, our elderly using walking sticks, or those with a disability, we’re working hard to eliminate barriers for people to access public transport.

“This program has already helped to upgrade more than 475 bus stops across Queensland in the last financial year.

“The upgraded bus stops complement almost 300 new shelters at bus stops throughout the state, thanks to a more than $5.4 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government.

“These upgrades form part of the Palaszczuk Government’s investment of more than $500 million to improve accessibility across the Queensland public transport network.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government is in the midst of transforming the way we travel across Queensland with a record investment in public transport.

“We’re moving onto the next stage of our $371 million smart ticketing roll-out, which will mean for the first time, regional Queensland commuters will use the same ticketing system as those in the south-east,” Mr Bailey said.

“All up, 550 smart ticketing readers will be installed at 154 train stations, along with bus services, allowing commuters to pay using a credit card, smart phone or watch.

“Importantly, smart ticketing will allow regional commuters to access real time travel information about bus and train services.

“Over the next four years the Palaszczuk Government is delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19.”