The Andrews Labor Government is improving accessibility at more than 80 priority bus stops across the state to increase access to public transport, including in Ballarat.

The $5 million upgrade project announced in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 is targeting busy bus stops in Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a focus on those servicing vital community, disability services and care hubs.

The upgrades will remove barriers to access at key locations where disabled and aged communities reside and rely on the public transport system to socialise or to access essential services such medical centres, education, employment or shopping precincts.

Works are now underway in Ballarat on the first six stops to be upgraded under the project and at least 80 bus stops are planned for upgrading across the state by June 2024 under the project.

Upgrades will typically include the installation of a concrete surfaces waiting area and tactile ground surface indicators to improve accessibility for people with mobility challenges and assist the vision impaired.

The accessibility upgrades are part of Victoria’s Bus Plan to develop a modern and reliable network that attracts more passengers. Since 2014 more than 2,800 bus stops have been constructed or upgraded to improve accessibility.

These bus stop upgrades complement other accessibility improvements underway across Victoria’s public transport network, including train stations and tram stops to make them more compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT).

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“We’re delivering projects that are making a difference to people’s lives across Ballarat, including an accessible and inclusive public transport network all locals can use.”