Monday 11 June 2012

Ipswich's passengers will have access to improved facilities following upgrade to the Riverlink Shopping Centre bus station which opens today (Monday 11 June).

Member for Ipswich West Sean Choat said the upgrades would provide pedestrians and motorists with improved access and signage.

"RiverLink is a very busy precinct; there is a lot of pedestrian and vehicle traffic that passes through the area at all times throughout the day," Mr Choat said.

"Previously, we had witnessed instances where some motorists were using the Downs Street end of the bus station to make dangerous and illegal U-turns.

"As part of the upgrade, this intersection has been reconfigured to prevent motorists from using the bus station as a place to perform a U-turn.

"A new pedestrian crossing has been built at the Downs Street intersection as part of the reconfiguration and will provide drivers safe access to the new driver facilities."

Mr Choat said the upgraded station could now handle up to nine buses at once, up from six previously.

"The improvements to Riverlink bus station allow for improved timetable efficiency in the busy area and cater for future growth in bus patronage in the Ipswich region," Mr Choat said.

Member for Ipswich Ian Berry said the upgrade would provide customers and drivers with improved shelters and facilities.

"Riverlink is one of the busiest bus stations in the region and these upgrades provide customers with a more comfortable area to wait for their bus home or connecting buses," Mr Berry said.

"Driver comfort has also been improved following the completion of work, as they now have access to permanent toilet and meal room facilities after the original driver facilities at the Ipswich Transit Centre was damaged beyond repair during the 2011 flood."

This upgrade comes just before the commencement of the government's nine-and-free fare incentive for public transport on 25 June.

For more information visit the TransLink website at translink.com.au, or phone 13 12 30, anytime.