After sitting idle for more than a year due to major design flaws, Kingston’s new bus interchange will become operational today.
The Channel Highway stop needed an extra $70,000 worth of modifications to fix several issues, including tight corners that buses couldn’t safely navigate and non-compliance with disability access standards.
From this morning, all Metro, Tassielink and Coal River Coaches services will return to the centre of Kingston, moving from temporary stops on Goshawk Way.
Kingborough Council says the relocation will offer “safer and more accessible bus stops for community members, closer to shops, health services and key destinations in Kingston”.
“While some community members will prefer the bus stops to remain on Goshawk Way, this would make more difficult for vulnerable community members, including elderly people and those living with disabilities,” a spokesperson said.
“Access to safe, accessible bus stops near essential services was a key consideration in the decision to return buses to the Channel Highway.”
The interchange consists of two stops – a new Hobart-bound bus stop at 40 Channel Highway and an upgraded southbound stop outside the Commonwealth Bank.
The council apologised for the lengthy delay in getting the interchange up and running.
“Council acknowledges the frustration experienced by parts of the community during this process and apologises for any inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson said.
“A review of the project is currently underway and a summary of the recommendations will be published once completed.”
Wisby’s school bus services will continue to use the existing Goshawk Way stops instead of the new interchange.
The project’s total cost has now climbed to around $1.32 million, including $950,000 for land acquisition, $300,000 for initial construction and the recent $70,000 in upgrades.
