Ballarat’s improved bus network is now up and running with more than 70 extra trips, a new timetable and buses using the station’s new bus interchange for the first time.

Buses started using the new interchange yesterday to coincide with the start of the improved timetable.

The new bus interchange at Ballarat Station gives passengers a safer and more comfortable place to wait for their bus and easier connections between bus and train services.

It is within the Ballarat Station precinct and has 12 spaces for local buses, making it easier and safer for passengers to connect between services.  It has also taken buses off nearby streets and removed the need for buses to wait for long periods of time in front of houses and shops.

The interchange includes pedestrian crossings, CCTV, lighting, shelters and seating, improving comfort and safety for station users.

Buses enter and exit the interchange from Nolan Street using a new signalised intersection installed as part of the project.

The new bus interchange is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s transformation of the Ballarat station precinct into a vibrant community, transport and tourism/events hub.

The Labor Government has invested $25 million into the project which has already delivered a 405 space multi-level commuter car park and 77 room Quest Hotel and will also see a refurbished Goods Shed Convention Centre, food and beverage tenancies, a public plaza and an internal Precinct road. The restoration of the historic Goods Shed is restoring the prominence of the precinct’s key heritage icon.

The nearby Lydiard Street level crossing reopened to traffic last month after crews temporarily removed the heritage gates and installed boom gates at the location.

Under the new timetable, passengers catching the bus in Ballarat benefit from dozens of extra services, extended hours and more connections to trains.

An extra 73 trips per week have been introduced across the network and there is an increased span of services on weekdays and Saturdays.

Information on the new timetables is available at ptv.vic.gov.au and on the PTV app.

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison 

“The opening of the interchange and the introduction of a new bus timetable makes it much easier for people to get around Ballarat using public transport.”

“Ballarat Station’s new bus interchange makes connections between bus and train services simpler and safer for passengers. It provides a new location for local buses reducing the impacts on local roads, residents and traders.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The new interchange is fully accessible, and buses arrive and depart in one place, so people can easily find their stop and make their connection.”