Concerns over new bus shelters in Bulls
The design of new bus shelters in Bulls have been leaving little room to manoeuvre, raising concerns for both driver and passenger safety.
The shelters, installed on Funnel St at Te Matapihi community centre last month, were positioned too close to the curb to allow parked buses to fully open their storage doors.
Two bus drivers, who did not wish to be identified for fear of getting into trouble, have criticised the design of the shelters and flagged them as a hazard. ‘‘As I opened the locker door, I realised I was so close [almost under] the shelter,’’ said one of the drivers. ‘‘I immediately squeezed myself, that hurt my back.
‘‘There is not enough room for a driver to stand and allow safe passage to the passengers.’’
The other driver said the shelters were attractive but questioned if there had been due diligence to consider the distance to the curb and the span of opened bus lockers.
Commuter Rachel Matthew said the design posed a safety hazard to passengers. ‘‘It is dangerous as the doors can hit someone trying to get into the bus. I wonder how people, with their luggage and children, will manage to get into the coaches during rush hours?’’
The new bus station, which is replacing the one on Bridge St, features four berths, two in each side lane, and each with a shelter.
A statement from Rangitīkei District Council said there was a month-long trial period to test the bus lanes and to identify any improvements that could be made.
Following the trial, changes were made to the satisfaction of bus operators.
A statement from InterCity, one of the companies operating at the new terminal, said the council has made changes based on its feedback on the location of bus-stop signs and line markings.
‘‘The council has acted upon the feedback and has since moved the affected signage to the fence line, and offset the line markings so that the coach locker doors can be opened and closed by our drivers without obstruction. It is working well for our team now.’’
But one of the bus drivers said there were still concerns. While signs had been moved, there was still not enough distance between the footpath and the berths, and a passenger could easily strike their head on the luggage doors. ‘‘It can’t be fixed completely. I think drivers have to stop before the line markings.’’
About 24 buses would be using the new bus station and shelters every day. The old station on Bridge St would be closed from May 27.