Sheraton Road, Boundary Road and Tamworth Street are just some of the areas in Dubbo identified by Transport for NSW to receive new bus zone developments, now approved by Dubbo Regional Council (DRC).
Out of the 70 approved sites, 19 bus zones will be on new routes, with 13 entirely new stops. Seven locations will be on new high frequency routes, with four of those sites expected to see as many as three services per hour.
The Transport for NSW report also recommended the implementation of bus zones at a number of existing bus stop locations that were not regulated to increase safety for passengers and drivers, future proof sites that are expected to see increased foot and road traffic, and further discourage those who have been ignoring signage for bus stops with No Stopping or No Parking Zones by increasing indicators of the area’s purpose.
The endorsement of Transport for NSW’s recommendations by Council is also expected to result in better public transport access to medical services, localised businesses, the CBD and Orana Mall.
The approved Bus Service improvements will also incorporate the conversion of the existing time restricted bus zones to 24 hour zones, the implementation of Sunday bus services and conversion of some existing No Parking Zones and relocation of existing accessible parking space.
DRC’s Infrastructure, Planning and Environment committee reviewed the list of sites on Thursday 11 May, where it was recommended Council approve the work on the sites recommended in the Transport for NSW report. The bus zone proposals were approved at the Council Meeting on Thursday 25 May.
The Transport for NSW investigation and recommendations are part of the 16 Regional Cities Bus Services Improvement Program, which aims to expand and improve existing services across Dubbo and the Town Link Service between Dubbo and Wellington through cooperation with DRC and commercial bus operators Dubbo Bus Lines and Ogden Coaches.