Flexilink says 'use it or lose it' (Sunshine Coast region)

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Flexilink says 'use it or lose it'
Patrick Williams | 12th April 2011

THE Cooroy to Pomona Flexilink trial route is at risk of discontinuation due to poor patronage.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council's "use it or lose it" approach to the service means four of the seven current routes will be deleted from June 30 unless there is a dramatic turnaround in numbers.

The announcement was made by Integrated Transport Portfolio Councillor Vivien Griffin.

"I think the next few months give our customers a really good opportunity to get back to us.

"I'm happy to take those comments on what people think about the route," Cr Griffin said.

Council statistics show that from the Cooroy to Pomona route's inception on May 4, 2010 until December 31, 2010, only 23 passengers used that particular service.

In comparison, the Boreen Point to Tewantin route saw 2051 passengers in the same period.

"There are many reasons why it might not be working, but we can rethink the route and timing to meet customers' needs," Cr Griffin said.

"If the Cooroy to Pomona link is not required, where is a gap that should be filled?"

Cr Griffin said there would be a final marketing push before the June 30 deadline.

"We definitely want to hear back about this service," she said.

Other routes under threat include Buderim/Mountain Creek, Kunda Park/Buderim/Mons and Mooloolah Valley to Glenview.

Support for new trial services and continued routes along Boreen Point, Peachester, Conondale and Mapleton were also announced in the budget meeting.

The Flexilink Trial Services were brought in following Council's Public Transport Levy, introduced in April 2009.

They operate on a pre-book basis and run three return trips per day, Monday to Saturday.

Also supported at the budget meeting last week included the return of free public transport buses at Christmas time.

Cr Griffin said the free holiday bus period last Christmas, 200,000 people used Translink services across the Coasts – a 30% increase on the previous year.

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