Buses to run in both directions

Council supported changes to the road to allow north-bound buses and stops on William Street between The Esplanade and Wellington Street.

Currently only south-bound buses access the road, which was recently opened to two-way traffic.

This change would transfer services running north on Barrack Street to William Street.

Public Transport Authority (PTA) spokesman David Hynes said the department was investigating better bus route options through the city due to the Elizabeth Quay development at the southern end of Barrack Street.

A report to council says moving bus routes from Barrack Street to William Street would result in better understanding of the networks for commuters, as they would be able to board and disembark buses on the same street.

The report says adding more buses to this street would not have a big impact on congestion with only about 90 vehicles per hour using the northbound road during evening peak hours.

The addition of buses to the road will see the creation of a left-turn lane at the intersection of William and Hay streets, new bus stops on the western side of William Street between Hay and Murray streets, and a bus-only right-turn lane at the intersection of William Street to Wellington Street.

‘Importantly, we believe these small changes to traffic flow along William Street will improve the reliability of service and shorten journey times while not contributing to congestion,’ Mr Hynes said.

Work is expected to start early next year, with stakeholder consultations beginning in the coming weeks.

The report to council also says the PTA is considering turning William Street between Hay and Murray streets into a transit mall, blocking general through-traffic from the area, but this would only occur once an alternative northbound option was provided such as Barrack Street.