Bus commuters in Liverpool rejoice: Liverpool Council will start building more shelters from next year in a bid to catch up with a backlog nearing the half century mark.
They can thank Councillor Anne Stanley, who tabled a notice of motion at council’s last meeting on July 30, calling for more money for shelters in this year’s and future budgets.
In her notice of motion, Cr Stanley said that since 2008 the number of bus shelters provided by council every year has steadily decreased to just three in the 2014-15 financial year.
‘‘This will leave a backlog of at least 40 bus shelters,’’ Cr Stanley told council.
‘‘The provision of bus shelters supports the public transport strategy and provides shelter for residents against the elements, especially those whose mobility is impaired, those with young
children or the elderly.
‘‘For some of these groups public transport is their only option and should be encouraged and supported.’’
Cr Stanley conceded the provision of bus shelters was of significant expense to council’s Budget, so she was asking that council explore cost effective ways to provide such a community resource.
Her call was supported by council, which will now investigate options to provide more shelters by:
a) increasing the number of sponsored or advertising shelters having full regard to sensitive areas and the advertising that is allowed near schools and churches;
b) more cost effective design solutions;
c) exploring grant sources;
d) commit budget to reduce the backlog of bus shelters by no less than 10 each
year over the next five years commencing with the 2015-16 budget year;
e) increase the number of bus shelters provided for in the 2014-15 budget if changes to design
can reduce the cost of shelters;
2. Be consulted on the final design of bus shelters.
