More bus shields are on the way for Queensland drivers with an extra $3 million to be spent on expanding safety upgrades.
The deal includes $1 million to retrofit 50 Brisbane City Council buses on top of 45 already scheduled for work.
The other $2m will go towards upgrading 70 vehicles statewide including in Mackay, North Stradbroke Island, Toowoomba, Bundaberg and Bowen.
Upgrades will include driver barriers, air-conditioned driver’s cabin, electronic blinds and mirrorless cameras.
Full safety barriers, or shields, are already required for any new Translink buses, the government says.
PROTECTING BUS DRIVERS
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg says the program is a big step forward to protect drivers from abuse and assault.
“This is about making sure bus drivers across Queensland feel safe doing their job,” he says.
“The government has drawn a line in the sand.
“That is why we’re doubling investment in safety barriers to $6m this financial year, helping make sure that Queensland buses meet Australia’s highest safety standards.
“The additional $3 million investment will fast-track critical safety upgrades in regional Queensland and the South-East Corner, ensuring drivers have the protection they deserve.”
The extra spending follows a roundtable held with drivers, operators and unions.
BRISBANE MAYOR
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says that keeping drivers safe is critical to keeping the city moving.
“Around two-thirds of all public transport trips in Brisbane are taken on a bus, which shows just how essential our drivers are to our city,” he says.
“Every day, our drivers safely carry thousands of residents to work, school and home and they deserve to feel safe and supported while doing their job. That’s why these safety upgrades are so important.”
A Public Transport Stakeholder Reference Group has also been established to provide feedback on safety and broader transport issues such as stricter penalties for offenders.
The first meeting was held last November.
Late last year, the government also announced 1100-plus new weekly services across Ipswich with four extra routes added.
