etc welcomes ringwood station upgrade

ETC welcomes Ringwood station upgrade 

The Eastern Transport Coalition welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Premier that the Ringwood Station precinct will be upgraded this year.

ETC spokesperson Cr Samantha Dunn said the station currently did not meet disability access requirements, lacked passenger conveniences on the main platforms and lacked adequate lighting which led to a public perception that it was unsafe.

“This is a project the ETC and the Maroondah Council have been lobbying for and it is great to hear that work is planned to start this year to make it an accessible facility for people of all abilities,” Cr Dunn said.

Cr Dunn said providing world- class facilities and infrastructure was an important step towards creating a world-class public transport system and Ringwood Station was one of many that needed an injection of funding to improve facilities.

"A comprehensive and extensive program is needed to improve access across the entire public transport network,” Cr Dunn said.

"Adequate car parking needs to be provided at rail stations and at key transport and interchanges, as well as real-time timetable information and signage to help people quickly and efficiently move between different forms of public transport,” she said.

“Safe pedestrian crossings need to be provided to allow people to access public transport and waiting areas need to provide adequate shelter and comfort. Improving the infrastructure around public transport will only encourage greater patronage by the public.”

The ETC is made up of seven eastern suburban councils, and represents the public transport needs of more than one million residents.