The union which represents Ballarat bus drivers has called for "meaningful changes" to the Little Bridge Street bus interchange, after reports of escalating violence.
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The Transport Workers Union (TWU) said that authorised protective service officers (PSO) or security should be deployed at the site more often, while other bus stops should be utilised to avoid overcrowding.
Victorian and Tasmanian branch secretary John Berger said the union had been alerted to a number of safety issues at the notorious bus stop, "from verbal and physical threats through to aggravated attacks on bus drivers".
"On top of the concerns for driver's safety, the TWU are concerned about the overcrowding of the interchange which is leading to multiple buses entering the interchange," Mr Berger said. "(It's) leading to members of the public risking their safety to find their bus, if they can find it at all."
Mr Berger said union officials had inspected the interchange last Monday and now believe additional bus stops should be implemented to curb the "disorganisation".
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Ballarat Community Safety Committee's councillor Des Hudson said for years there had been "issues that have occurred within that precinct", and while changing legislation has allowed for PSOs in the area, they also have to patrol the railway platforms.
"We have certainly approached PTV, looking at if that is the best location for the bus interchange," he said. "We are keen and open to anything of those discussions, if there is a will from state government, that could be implemented to improve safety and perceptions of safety in the area."
The TWU is set to meet with CDC Ballarat, the company which runs the city's public transport routes, to discuss the issues.
There are currently no plans to reduce traffic travelling through Little Bridge Street, or build additional bus stops at the interchange.
A government spokeswoman said that the Department of Transport "continues to work with the union and Victoria Police in ensuring the Little Bridge Street bus interchange is safe for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and motorists."
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