The PTA’s Bus Shelter Subsidy Program (BSSP) provides funding support in approved circumstances for Local Governments (and other entities where appropriate) for the purpose of installing road-side bus shelters for the benefit of local commuters.
Funding for the BSSP is limited to approximately $500,000 per annum and Local Governments are encouraged to apply for funding each financial year. The PTA considers applications on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to bus stops with high patronage numbers or existing bus stop locations that are impacted by the PTA's Bus Stop Accessibility Works Program.
Under this program, the PTA takes responsibility for undertaking all physical works to install bus shelters and Local Government are responsible for undertaking any required community consultation with affected households before any works proceed (in accordance with their community consultation requirements).
To apply for BSSP funding support, applicants are required to make a brief submission to the PTA simply detailing the stop location for the PTA’s consideration. In general terms, the PTA will support approval for a bus shelter under this program if it has sufficient funds available and:
- the bus stop has consistent passenger boardings of more than 15 people (average weekday basis);
- the applicant agrees to pay to the PTA the required financial contribution toward the cost of purchasing and installing the bus shelter; and
- the applicant agrees to own and accept ongoing maintenance responsibility for the bus shelter.
Under this program, the PTA will construct a compliant passenger boarding area and contribute 50 per cent of the supply and installation cost of a bus shelter to a maximum amount of $7,000, excluding GST (i.e. total bus shelter cost of $14,000 excluding GST). If a higher cost bus shelter is selected, the applicant will be required to pay the balance of funds to the PTA.
The PTA’s minimum passenger boarding requirements will be reduced for applications received from regional areas and a greater emphasis will be placed on supporting the provision of bus shelters at key community centres.
To encourage ongoing Local Government participation, applications may be submitted to the PTA at any time. The PTA commits to undertaking assessments and providing an initial response within two weeks. Approvals will be made on a first come, first served basis.
The PTA will not start any physical works without the expressed approval and agreement from the relevant Local Government.
The PTA maintains a panel contract of suppliers of bus shelters that can be accessed under the program. A suite of standard bus shelter designs can be accessed by Local Governments under this panel arrangement. The PTA regularly reviews its panel contract arrangements to ensure a reasonable suite of bus shelters are available at competitive prices.