Local business donates bus shelters for rural communities

Rural communities have until the end of the month to apply for a free bus shelter for their area courtesy of Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) business partner Totalspan Steel Sheds and Buildings.

Two new bus shelters have already been donated and installed as part of Totalspan’s nationwide ‘Undercover Kids’ programme, one at the corner of Scott Douglas Dr, Central and Sunnex roads, and the other on Apirana Rd.

The initiative has so far seen 198 bus shelters placed in rural areas throughout New Zealand, with 100 more on their way.

Totalspan Rotorua Director Tony Young says the Undercover Kids programme is a way the company can show support to rural communities.

“Having personally grown up in the rural district of Rotorua, I can remember what it was like to wait for the bus out in the wind and rain.

“It’s great that we are in a position to help keep kids out of the weather, and in the process also keep them a safe distance from the road and traffic.”

The purpose-built bus shelters are bolted onto a concrete platform on the roadside, and feature sturdy steel walls to keep children sheltered. They also have perspex windows so bus drivers and children can see each other.

Mr Young says Totalspan aims to provide at least four bus shelters in the Rotorua area this year, and encourages parents and schools to make an application for a shelter in their area.

RDC business partnership manager Nick Dallimore says he welcomes Totalspan’s involvement in the Rotorua Business Partnership Programme.

“It’s only through generous contributions from companies like Totalspan that we are able to achieve many significant projects for our community.

“This is another excellent example of a strong community need being fulfilled with the help of a community-minded business.”

Rural communities are encouraged to visit the website www.totalspan.co.nz for information on applications for a bus shelter to be considered for their area.