Too many stops on this road

NEWS that a contract has been awarded to build the CBD bus hub will likely be greeted with a mixture of relief and scepticism.

Relief because it has been eight years since the previously functional bus terminal was removed from the city’s Stokes St and replaced with bus stops scattered around the city’s periphery.

Scepticism because people have heard all this before. The bus hub has had more false starts than a horse and buggy. This time, however, looks to be the real deal with local builder Mendi Constructions awarded the contract to build the facility.

That the work has been awarded to a local company is commendable. This will more than likely ensure a good result and one which maximises the benefits in skills development and employment.

Some 30 jobs are expected to be created in what is estimated to be a $ 4.8 million project. Work is due to start within a fortnight and be completed by February.

The development will include sheltered seating on a widened footpath in Ogden St, a new road linking Ogden St to Hanran St and some landscaping.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker says the project will be a great win for public transport users and CBD traders and encourage more people into the city by making it easier to use public transport.

This is definitely a desired result, although people will be left to ponder why such an outcome has taken so long.

There are several reasons. These include differences of opinion among local and state agencies as to the best location for the terminal and, more recently, a wish to complete upgrades on underground infrastructure first before paving the road for the bus hub.

It also indicates wider problems in leadership and co- ordination.

Public transport is the responsibility of the State Government. If there are problems with the state delivering, the council needs to argue the case and be a champion for the community.

For the sake of the city, local leadership is the key.