TransLink Media: $8.3m bus station for Maroochydore

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http://www.translink.com.au/mediarelease.php?id=147

$8.3m bus station for Maroochydore

Tuesday 22 June 2010

A new $8.3 million bus station in Maroochydore will deliver better public transport on the Sunshine Coast.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the new bus station included indented bus stops on both sides of Horton Parade, in front of Sunshine Plaza near K-Mart Tyre and Auto and the intersection with Cornmeal Parade.

"This new station will replace the existing bus area and provide more capacity for bus services across the Sunshine Coast," Ms Nolan said.

"TransLink and Sunshine Coast Regional Council are working together to deliver a station that is comfortable for bus passengers and provides a more efficient service.

"It will become the heart of the Sunshine Coast's public transport system, serving as a junction for thousands of passengers using bus services from all areas of the Coast.

"This bus station follows the successful University of the Sunshine Coast bus station opened in June 2009.

"Sunshine Plaza is the largest traffic generator on the Sunshine Coast, so improved public transport options will encourage people going shopping to leave the car at home and take the bus, reducing traffic congestion around the Plaza."

The new bus station design will reflect the coastal location and feature:

    * Six bus bays (three on either side of Horton Parade)
    * Sheltered passenger waiting platforms with comfortable seating and public toilets
    * A public transport information stand
    * Security cameras and lighting
    * Secure bicycle storage
    * Layover facilities at both Church Street and Cornmeal Parade with room for several buses
    * Driver amenities including toilets and a secure lunch room
    * Dedicated bus lanes and bus priority traffic signals on Horton Parade for buses to enter and exit the facility easily, particularly in peak times
    * The design will also feature a future pedestrian overpass across Horton Parade. No commuter car parking will be available on-site.

The new facility is being funded by TransLink and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. TransLink is contributing $5.5 million and Sunshine Coast Council $2.8 million.

Sunshine Coast Council's Integrated Transport Chair Vivien Griffin said the Council's substantial investments in transport projects was evidence the Council took public transport seriously.

"Great outcomes do occur when partnerships with all levels of government are prominent," Cr Griffin said.

The bus station will be designed by late this year with building expected to start in the middle of next year and be finished late 2011. About 65 jobs are expected to be created during construction.

For more details on public transport, visit the TransLink website www.translink.com.au or phone the Call Centre on 13 12 30.