Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
BUS users in Bendigo's central business district will get to wait in relative comfort at a large undercover shelter in the Mall while being kept well informed of when their buses will arrive after the second stage of the Mitchell Street redevelopment project is complete.
Public Transport Victoria says it will contribute $450,000 to the next phase of improvements along Mitchell Street for bus users, including a real-time bus information system and a covered 'remote' waiting area for bus passengers at the end of Hargreaves Mall.
The transport body has not committed to a date for the second stage of the Mitchel Street redevelopment project, but the City of Greater Bendigo has previously indicated construction was due to begin this year.
A PTV spokesperson said a total of $900,000 would be contributed to public transport improvements along the main road.
"PTV contributed $450,000 towards the Mitchell Street Redevelopment which so far has included the upgrade of the bus interchange, with six bus bays, wider footpaths and more seating for passengers," the spokesperson said.
"We are contributing a further $450,000 to the next phase of public transport improvements, which will include the construction of a ‘remote’ waiting area for bus passengers in Hargreaves Street.
"The plan is to have real-time signage available at this location, so in the future bus passengers will have a comfortable waiting area in Hargreaves Street until their bus is nearing the Mitchell Street bus interchange."
The spokesperson said the real-time signage system would be a first for any area outside of the Melbourne metropolitan area.
"Bendigo will soon be the first regional city to receive the bus tracking system on board buses, after a successful roll-out in Melbourne," the spokesperson said.
"In the future, we’ll be able to provide real-time information about buses through the PTV website, apps, call centre and signage."
The spokesperson said PTV was working with the City of Greater Bendigo on the design of the Hargreaves Mall waiting area, with council leading the project.
