You may have noticed bus shelters disappearing across our community. They're being replaced as part of a multi-decade contract between Ryde Council and advertising giant ‘oOh!media.’
The Result?
Out with the old…
A simple, honest piece of public infrastructure. It was built with common sense and aluminium, designed to do one job: keep us sheltered. Its deep, corrugated roof offered genuine protection from the scorching sun and driving rain. It had ample seating for you and your neighbours.
It was a small, functional community space we already owned and paid for.
This is the standard of service and dignity we are losing.
BEFORE
…In with the new
And this is the "upgrade" that's being forced on us. A glass box that bakes passengers like a greenhouse in summer and offers almost no real shelter from the rain. Its single, hostile bench is designed to be uncomfortable and to stop people from resting. Even if there’s no advertising on it now, we know what’s going to happen.
This is more than just a simple downgrade.
This is the illusion of public service.
AFTER
These new shelters are built under the guise of “accessibility compliance.”
Disability access is an excuse, not a priority.
The situation at Trim Place & Victoria Road, Gladesville, exposes the failures of Ryde Council’s private contract. Here, a shelter was installed directly on the footpath, forcing pedestrians to straddle Victoria Road, creating safety and accessibility hazards, all while a perfectly functional and accessible shelter sits just metres away.
Community Reactions
A Simple Solution
"Our current bus stop has 3 benches... Couldn’t they just remove one bench for wheelchair access instead of replacing the whole thing?"
Hostile Architecture
"Besides the advertising revenue, the design appears aimed at 'homeless-proofing' the shelter with an armrest to prevent sleeping, which is a misguided solution."
Playing Favourites
"Why aren't shop owners allowed to place small signs outside their businesses, while an advertising company can block the entire footpath with a bus shelter?"
The District Association is currently investigating this matter and preparing a report on behalf of the community and ratepayers.
Recommendation
The District Association strongly recommends one simple, actionable, and practical measure:
That Ryde Council immediately amends its planning regulations. No public infrastructure should ever be destroyed or replaced without rigorous public scrutiny and genuine community consultation.