New buses take to the streets of the Goldfields

6/10/04 The first of three new air-conditioned traffic buses - featuring a striking Goldfields-inspired design - hit the streets of Kalgoorlie-Boulder today.

6/10/04
The first of three new air-conditioned traffic buses - featuring a striking Goldfields-inspired design - hit the streets of Kalgoorlie-Boulder today.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan joined local residents for the inaugural trip from St Barbara's Square to Boulder.
The Mercedes 0405 Nh Diesel bus will go into full service next week - another two buses will join the Goldfields fleet by the end of the year.
The Gallop Government committed to providing the buses following approaches from Eyre MLA John Bowler and former Goldfields-Esperance Minister Tom Stephens about the poor condition of the local fleet.
Ms MacTiernan said the average age of the Eastern Goldfields Transport Board's traffic bus fleet was 24 years.
"The age and condition of the existing traffic buses were clearly unacceptable - they leaked in winter and overheated in summer," she said.
"The smooth ride and air-conditioned comfort of the new TransGoldfields buses will encourage local residents to use public transport for their next trip across the city."
The buses, worth about $300,000 each, have been purchased from the Transperth fleet.
They feature:

  • refrigerated air-conditioning;
  • extendable wheelchair access ramp for people with disabilities or prams;
  • 'kneeling' action to lower the whole bus to the kerb to allow easier access;
  • 41 seats, plus space for two wheelchairs, licensed to carry 82 passengers;
  • electronic destination board;
  • Euro 2 compliance for hydrocarbon emissions; and
  • automatic transmission.
"The new buses are just part of the Gallop Government's commitment to making Kalgoorlie-Boulder a strong, regional community," the Minister said.
Eyre MLA John Bowler welcomed the arrival of the first bus.
"Not only are Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents getting state-of-the-art buses but we will also be paying less council rates," Mr Bowler said.
"The Gallop Government has removed the long-standing, annual obligation of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to subsidise our bus service to the tune of $100,000.
"This is win-win for the ratepayers of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
"We will now receive a better bus service with overall savings on our rates."
Minister's office: 9213 6400