Coach access now easier

JENNA THOMPSON

Kiama residents will soon find catching the bus a little easier after the council rolled out a disabled access plan to upgrade bus stops on Monday.

Proudly introducing its “low rider” bus, which provides wheelchair access, Kiama Coachlines along with council members, Roads and Traffic Authority, Illawarra Spinal Cord Injury Group and local police representatives toured a selection of bus stops with a view to possible upgrades that will make bus travel more readily available to Kiama residents and visitors.

“The beauty of this kind of design is that it’s great for everyone,” said Mathew Fante, the regional co-ordinator for Transport Minister John Watkins.

“Mums with prams, people who, like my elderly mother who doesn’t negotiate steps very well, this makes it a lot easier.”

After being involved in an accident 32 years ago resulting in spinal-cord injury, Alex Traill of the Illawarra Spinal-Cord Injuries Australia road tested the new feature, commending everyone involved in the upgrade.

“It’s about opening up the options for people with disabilities to public transport,” Mr Traill said.

“It now comes down to people’s awareness of the availability of the transport then having a look at it and using it to adapt it to their lifestyle.”

Kiama Coaches managing director Gerard King said it cost about $30,000 to install the bus access ramp, but he said it was worth every penny.

“Premier Illawarra has also got wheelchair access so we’ve been able to use theirs when we’ve needed it, but now we’ve got our own,” he said.

“We also have elderly passengers who will appreciate a low floor bus.”