A NEW funding arrangement between the State and local government sectors was announced on Thursday and will see a more co-ordinated program to maintain the 12,500 bus stops in Perth and the Peel region.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder said $500,000 was available under an agreement between the Public Transport Authority (PTA) and the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) to help local governments maintain bus stops and shelters.
The funds have been made available after the PTA and WALGA agreed to formalise arrangements for planning and maintaining bus shelters and bus stops.
“The State Government provides an extensive bus network around Perth and Mandurah which is a big investment every year to operate," Mr Nalder said.
"We recognise that many local governments also contribute by investing funds to provide bus shelters which greatly benefit not only their ratepayers, but also all Transperth passengers."
The Minister said the agreement would clearly establish the responsibilities of both the PTA and local government in relation to planning and managing bus stops, bus shelters and their associated maintenance.
Mr Nalder said often a bus route ran between several local government areas and this new arrangement would help in the planning stages when councils were proposing traffic calming and other work that affected bus services.
Another factor was compliance with disability standards for accessible public transport.
“There has been uncertainty about who is responsible for some aspects of bus stop infrastructure, especially in relation to shelters, seats and bins, so this arrangement should make it clearer for all involved,” the Minister said.