Bus Stop Prompts Protest

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday August 6, 2008

GR

ONLY one Newcastle bus stop complies with federal laws for the disabled, Newcastle City Council heard last night.

The council was told that if it was to be held responsible for the bus stop upgrades, hundreds of thousands of dollars would be needed.

Lord Mayor John Tate told the council the only compliant bus stop was in the Merewether Heights area.

"It is a real dilemma," Cr Tate said. "Subsidies are essential."

The council resolved to take its concerns to the Local Government Association's annual conference and to stimulate a statewide campaign to protest against the "cost shifting" by the NSW Government on to councils.

The council resolved to ask Transport Minister John Watkins to provide evidence of earlier claims that private bus operators are unable to pay for a range of roadside infrastructure because of commercial considerations.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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