Better bus shelters
February 13, 2004

Improvements to bus shelters across North Shore City have made them better-looking and more comfortable for an increasing number of bus patrons.

Last year the council upgraded 40 bus shelters and plans to install and upgrade another 25, starting in April.

In the current (2003/04) financial year, the North Shore City Council is budgeting to invest $800,000 on its bus shelter programme and works and environment committee chairperson, Joel Cayford, says a District Plan change may also make it easier to put bus shelters up.

"Those with no advertising would then be a permitted activity on a road reserve," Councillor Cayford says.

"We're progressing well with the bus shelter programme and will be installing more across the city soon."

Corrugated iron or glass shelters with wood frames were replaced, and one new shelter installed outside Orchard Reserve in Greenhithe.

Glass shelters with aluminium frames are being left untouched, unless they are replaced with an advertising shelter. The old glass one then takes over from a corrugated iron shelter.

At only 3.5m long and 1.45m deep and with glass sides, the upgraded shelters and new one blend in better with the environment. Seating has increased too, with a freestanding bench on a concrete pad, instead of fitted into the back of the shelter.

Joel Cayford says other possible changes include replacing glass in the lower parts of the walls with steel sheets to prevent vandalism.

"Sadly, $100,000 worth of damage is inflicted by vandals each year - wasting ratepayers' money and creating an eyesore.

"We're asking people to report any vandalism to North Shore City's Actionline on 486 8600," he says. (ends)

ENDS

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