Bus stop joy for seniors
Aged care residents, staff cheer new access
AGED care residents are “over the moon” after a key bus route is to be extended to their home at White Rock.
TransLink says routes 143 and 143W will now stop near the Bupa Aged Care Centre Mt Sheridan on Progress Rd from February 24.
The move will save residents walking almost a kilometre to catch a bus to the CBD.
Division 3 Cairns Regional Councillor Cathy Zeiger spearheaded the campaign for three years to get a new bus stop introduced and she said the residents were “absolutely over the moon” about the announcement.
“We’ve been fighting for this for quite a few years,” Cr Zeiger said.
“I remember when I became a new councillor, I thought, why they didn’t put a bus stop there?”
She said the new bus stop would help the residents and staff in many ways, including easier visitations and increased safety.
“A lot of the staff used public transport and women had to cross the highway to get Mt Sheridan Plaza late at night,” Ms Zeiger said.
“They can now board the bus right outside the Bupa facility.”
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said it would make public transport more accessible and convenient.
“I was pleased to work with Cr Zeiger to progress the extension of the TransLink service which will now provide direct access for residents and staff,” he said.
The new stops will be built in partnership with the council and is part of other major changes to bus services in the Cairns Region.
Route 133 will also be changed through Draper St to improve access to retailers at Portsmith.
In addition, the finishing touches are being made on the $3 million Raintrees bus station upgrade.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the upgrades would include a new bus stop on Koch St – reducing congestion in the centre’s busy car park.
“Works will include an upgraded bus stop, two large shelters, bus turnaround facility, new lighting, an upgrade to traffic signals, and a dedicated bus-only right turn bay at the Alfred-Koch St intersection,” Mr Healy said.
Commuters can check out the changes by heading to the TransLink website or calling 13 12 30.