Sunshine Coast Bus

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2020/1142-2020.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1142

Asked on 2 December 2020

MS F SIMPSON ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to continuing violent incidents at the Maroochydore Bus Station—

Will the Minister advise what the department is proposing to do to keep bus passengers and
drivers safe, including employing additional Senior Network Officers, Security and upgrades to
CCTV as well as joint operations with police?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Maroochydore for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government takes the issue of anti-social behaviour on public transport seriously
and is committed to providing a safe work environment for bus drivers and other frontline transport
workers.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) employs a frontline operational workforce
of senior network officers (SNOs) who are trained to undertake fare compliance, manage
anti-social behaviour, ensure passenger safety, and provide customer service across the
TransLink network on all modes of public transport.

TransLink has recently recruited 11 new SNOs, bringing the total number of officers to 61.
Under the Palaszczuk Government, there are more senior network officers on the network in
comparison to the previous LNP government. TransLink SNOs work jointly with the Queensland
Police Service (QPS) to target juvenile fare evasion and anti-social behaviour at Maroochydore,
Noosa and Caloundra bus interchanges, as well as other locations across the Sunshine Coast.
SNOs have increased patrols of the Maroochydore bus station/interchange in the past two
months, spending a further 30 hours of static patrols at the interchange itself, in addition to
numerous deployments onto local 600 and 620 bus services. A recent blitz undertaken with QPS
at the interchange resulted in two arrests and the issuing of multiple infringement notices.
TransLink will continue to work collaboratively with both Maroochydore and Coolum Police
Service who are conducting additional patrols of the interchange. Private security staff will also
patrol the interchange during the evenings on weekends.

TransLink is also party to the Community Safety Precinct, focusing on connecting CCTV images
from the Maroochydore Bus interchange into the QPS Maroochydore Station. TMR North Coast
is currently providing technical advice on the preferred option to connect the CCTV images.
In addition to this, a five-point safety package has been progressively rolled out for bus drivers
state-wide. This includes the Bus Driver Safety Scheme, which allocated funding for diver safety
barriers and anti-shatter window film. The installations were completed by 30 June 2020, and
over half of Queensland's contracted urban bus fleet now have a driver barrier and anti-shatter
film. TMR has also commissioned an independent expert review of driver barrier options to inform
future decisions having regard to design and risk factors.

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2020/1227-2020.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1227

Asked on 4 December 2020

MR J BLEIJIE ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to Translink bus services in the 2017–18 to 2019–20 financial year on the
Sunshine Coast—

Will the Minister advise, reported separately and by financial year, (a) total bus patronage
expressed as a percentage of population of regular bus services and school bus services,
(b) what income was generated annually from regular bus services and school bus services,
(c) the total cost to taxpayers to operate both regular bus services and school bus services and
(d) why this government will not commit to providing a bus service for residents of the Kawana
Forest community in Meridan Plains?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Kawana for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government understands the important role that public transport plays in
connecting people with jobs, education, essential services and each other.
That is why the Palaszczuk Labor Government is investing $160.8 million as part of the Stage 1
Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade. We are working with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council
by investing $7.5 million to plan for future public transport needs on the Sunshine Coast and have
recently completed work on a $2.5 million project to deliver a bus priority lane on Nicklin Way.
This comes after the Palaszczuk Government last year introduced 200 new weekly services for
Baringa, and more recently a new bus service for Bellvista and Bells Reach residents further
south, in response to community feedback.

(a) Patronage expressed as a percentage was split between school services as 34 per cent in
2017–18 financial year (FY), 32 per cent in 2018–19 FY and 31 per cent in 2019–20 FY.
Percentages for regular bus services were 66 per cent in 2017–18 FY, 68 per cent in 2018–
19 FY and 69 per cent in 2019–20 FY.

(b) Income generated on school bus services ranged from $1.1 million in 2017–18 FY,
$1.2 million in 2018–19 FY and $900,000 in 2019–20 FY. Income generated on regular bus
services ranged from $5.4 million in 2017–18 FY, $5.4 million in 2018–19 FY and
$4.2 million in 2019–20 FY.

(c) Operator payments related to school services ranged from $13.8 million in 2017–18 FY,
$16.5 million in 2018–19 FY and $16.1 million in 2019–20 FY. The regular bus services
operator payments ranged from $34.7 million in 2017–18 FY, $37.7 million in 2018–19 FY
and $38.4 million in 2019–20 FY.

(d) Providing services to lower density developments, such as Kawana Forrest, has its
challenges. In particular:

 the inability of the current road network to enable the safe operation of buses on
narrow, local government owned roads and roundabouts
 travel time impacts on almost 400 daily existing passengers if existing services are
rerouted into the estate, by an additional six minutes and three kilometres per trip
 service would require prioritisation of investment, to service a relatively small market
given the isolated nature of this development and the poor connections to surrounding
developments in Meridan Plains, Currimundi and Birtinya.

Under the Palaszczuk Government, the Sunshine Coast will share in a $3.6 billion road and
transport investment in the region, supporting 3200 local jobs. This investment will build on our
strong track record with the largest-ever budget for coast roads, rail and public transport.
This is in stark contrast with the previous LNP Government who cut $1.6 billion from the state's
roads and transport budget, which included sacking 1700 Queensland Rail workers and 700
Roadtek workers.

[Fares_Fair]

Interesting, I have observed that bus drivers record the numbers of non fare-paying passengers.

[Cazza]

Happens all across the TransLink network. I'm happy to be corrected but there are 3 buttons for those who don't use a go card or buy a ticket:
- Fare Evade
- Concession (as in having a special permit to travel, Concession card)
- Other

Or something to that extent...

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Coast bus drivers seeking to strike new deal post-pandemic $

Coast bus drivers are pushing for a new deal with enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations underway.

The Transport Workers' Union and Sunbus have started discussions over a new agreement.

Transport Workers' Union Queensland Branch secretary Peter Biagini confirmed the union had presented its log of claims to Sunbus, which would now consider the claims after the initial meeting.

Sources said workers were seeking a 3-4 year deal, but those details were unable to be confirmed by either the union or Sunbus. ...

[ozbob]

Route 615 - additional stops

https://translink.com.au/updates/21446

From Monday 24 May, there will be changes to route 615 as part of the Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway upgrade.

The changes will increase service coverage and improve reliability.

They include:

Route 615 will now stop at Aussie World on all services.

The Aussie World, Palmview stop will be replaced by separate northbound and southbound stops outside the Aussie World car park on Frizzo Road.

One new northbound stop on Frizzo Road near Sippy Creek Road.

Two new stops on Frizzo Road at Glenview Road.

The northbound and southbound stops on Steve Irwin Road near Mooloolah Cemetery will be upgraded.

To view the new timetables, please replan your journey with journey planner, download the MyTransLink app or call 13 12 30.  Don't forget to select a date on or after Monday 24 May to see the new timetables.

[Fares_Fair]

SUNSHINE COAST AND NOOSA TRANSPORT HEADS UP

From Monday 2 August 2021 there are timetable changes for the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Bus networks.
Some weekday trips will also be adjusted during gazetted Queensland school holidays to improve reliability.
Go to the TransLink website for more information. Search:  Minor bus timetable changes - Sunshine Coast and Noosa

Link is here ----> https://translink.com.au/updates/33756

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1416898592128724992

[Fares_Fair]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1427534626839351297

[Fares_Fair]

Enterprise bargaining negotiations are not progressing.
Grumblings are rumbling.
Watch this space.

[Fares_Fair]

CONFIRMED - TRANSPORT ALERT

Industrial action imminent.
Was scheduled for this Monday 22 November - but has been postponed to Wednesday.

Sunshine Coast Sunbus/Kinetic Group drivers will stop work from midnight this Wednesday 24 November for 24 hours.
The Transport Workers Union Queensland (TWUQLD) will meet with the Company next week to continue bargaining negotiations in good faith in hopes of averting the EBA crisis.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1461833462428536834

[Fares_Fair]

CONFIRMED - TRANSPORT ALERT

Industrial action imminent.
Was scheduled for this Monday 22 November - but has been postponed to Wednesday.

Sunshine Coast Sunbus/Kinetic Group drivers will stop work from midnight this Wednesday 24 November for 24 hours.
The Transport Workers Union Queensland (TWUQLD) will meet with the Company next week to continue bargaining negotiations in good faith in hopes of averting the EBA crisis.

Day corrected 4:18pm 20.11

Hello Jeff, thank you for your enquiry regarding the Sunshine Coast public transport services, work stoppage. We expect these services will return to schedule from the first service on Thursday 25 November, unless otherwise advised. https://t.co/0cIisAxXo2 Enjoy your day. -Connie


Link information reproduced here because..   

Sunbus Sunshine Coast and Cairns industrial action disruptions
Last reviewed: Friday 19 Nov 2021 at 5.56pm

We have been made aware of potential industrial action between Sunbus Cairns and Sunbus Sunshine Coast drivers and their employer.

If the work stoppage progresses there will be no bus services running on Wednesday 24 November in the Sunshine Coast or Cairns areas, including Sunbus and Love's school bus services.

All other school bus services will continue to operate as normal.

Please avoid unnecessary travel during this period or consider working from home, if possible. If you do need to travel, please allow extra travel time and arrange alternative transport.

In the lead up, drivers involved in this dispute may wear Transport Workers Union branded clothing.
Affected services
Bus

    064
    110N
    110
    111
    112
    113
    120N
    120
    121
    122
    123
    130
    131N
    131
    133
    140
    140N
    141
    142
    143
    143W
    150
    150E
    600
    602
    603
    605
    606
    607
    609
    610
    611
    612
    614
    615
    616
    617
    618
    619
    620
    622
    623
    626
    627
    628
    629
    630
    631
    632
    636
    637
    638
    639

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/1463422939403939842

[Fares_Fair]

Another Sunbus 24 hour driver strike on Tuesday 7 December 2021.


https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1466948491234590720

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/1593-2021.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 1593

Asked on 1 December 2021

MR D PURDIE ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to public transport services on the Sunshine Coast –
Will the Minister (a) provide an update on when additional public transport services will be
provided to service the rapidly growing areas north of the Maroochy River (b) advise when the
existing bus route serving the Bli Bli community will be extended into those areas of high need,
including the retirement villages and large residential development, which currently aren't
serviced by the route and (c) provide an update on the provision of additional school bus services
that have been identified to cater for the increased number of students attending Bli Bli schools?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Ninderry for the question.

a) The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of continued investment in our
public transport network to enable Queenslanders to connect to health services, education,
jobs and with each other. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) monitors
areas of growth across Queensland to identify where services may need to be improved.
TMR has been monitoring growth in areas north of the Maroochy River, such as Bli Bli, and
planning for improved services for residents.

On 8 May 2019, the Queensland Government committed $7.5 million, to be matched by
Sunshine Coast Council (SCC), towards the joint development of a detailed business case
for the first stage of an integrated urban public transport solution for the Sunshine Coast.
SCC has led the options analysis as part of planning for mass transit and, on 20 October
2021, the Mass Transit Options Analysis Report was endorsed by SCC. With the options
analysis complete, the next phase of the project is to undertake a detailed business case.
Community feedback received for the options analysis report will be a key consideration in
its development.

TMR is undertaking strategic planning for transport on the Sunshine Coast and is committed
to increasing public transport patronage. With the majority of the Sunshine Coast's 320,000
residents living between Maroochydore and inland to Beerwah, and with an additional
190,000 expected to call the region home by 2041, this planning is a priority to keep people
moving during this period of expected growth.

b) TMR is currently working with the bus operator to plan the extension of route 612 to the
newly developed Parklakes 2 estate, Good Samaritan Catholic College and nearby
retirement villages.

c) TMR operates a large and complex integrated schools' network which prioritises the
transport of students to the nearest state school within their catchment area. TMR provides
funding for eleven school buses in Bli Bli which service the local state schools within the
catchment (Bli Bli Primary, Nambour State College and Maroochydore High), as well as
Immanuel Lutheran College, St Josephs Primary School, St Johns College, Matthew
Flinders Anglican College, Nambour Christian College, Stella Maris Catholic Primary and
Sienna Catholic College).

Two additional services were implemented in 2020 for students travelling from Mons,
Buderim, Coolum, Mudjimba, Maroochydore, Diddilibah and Bli Bli to Good Samaritan
Catholic College. TMR continues to work with its service delivery partners on opportunities
for improved services to Bli Bli schools as part of our ongoing school service changes.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1481850736896278528

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Two mechanics hit and killed by car while working on broken-down bus at Woombye on Sunshine Coast

Key points:

The men were both mechanics and were working to fix a bus on the side of the road

They were rushed to hospital after being hit but doctors could not save them

The driver of the car is helping police with their inquiries

Two men have died in hospital after being hit a car while working on a broken-down bus on the Sunshine Coast.

A 25-year-old from nearby Currumundi and a 22-year-old from Baringa, both mechanics, were assisting with repairs on the bus on the side of Nambour Connection Road at Woombye around 3:30pm on Thursday when a vehicle struck them.

The pair suffered critical injuries and were rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, but later died.

The driver of the car, a 43-year-old woman from Warana, was not physically injured ....

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95350

Buses connect growing communities for the first time
8th June 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

A number of Sunshine Coast communities are set to benefit from new public transport investment in the region.

The Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy identified key growth areas and development – including areas of Kawana and Bli Bli.

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said five bus routes in four growing southern Sunshine Coast locations would be extended or rerouted this year, connecting locals with public transport for the first time.

"Meridan Plains and Bli Bli locals are set to experience new bus services with routes 611 and 612 being expanded from 11 July to service new areas for the first time," Mr Hunt said.

"Providing buses into developing residential areas will mean communities are better connected with key services, including access to the broader public transport network.

"An extension of bus services into rapidly developing Palmview is planned for later this year, providing Harmony Estate residents with access to a bus service for the first time, and supporting future estates to be developed in the planned community.

"Routes 614 and 619 in Maroochydore will also be realigned later this year to provide access into the new City Hall and Council Chambers developments."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was exciting to add new areas into the public transport network.

"We're able to connect the growing region to public transport by capitalising on existing services," Mr Bailey said.

"It goes to show that making small changes can make a big difference in the lives of commuters and will make public transport accessible to many more people."

Mr Hunt said Route 612 (Nambour to Maroochydore via Bli Bli) had been extended further into Bli Bli to complete a circuit of Yandina Bli Bli Rd and Parklakes Drive.

"With new stops along Parklakes Drive, many homes within Parklakes will now be within walking distance of a bus stop for the first time," he said.

"The route from Maroochydore to Sunshine Coast University Hospital (Route 611) will also be extended beyond the hospital into Kawana Forest estate in Meridan Plains.

"This will provide access to Pacific Lutheran College and the Meridan Fields sporting complex, as well as accessible public transport within walking distance of many more homes."

Mr Bailey said a total of nine new bus stops would be built along the new portion of route 612, while two new bus stops will be built on Woodlands Boulevard in Kawana Forest estate for route 611.

Benefits of route 611 Kawana Forest route extension

Public transport access to Kawana Forest estate (part of Meridian Plains) for the first time
Addresses community interest for public transport services
Direct journey to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Kawana Shoppingworld, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore
Large span of hours with services every 30 minutes on weekdays and 60 minutes on weekends
Benefits of route 612 Bli Bli extension include:

Improved public transport service coverage
Large increase in the number of residents in Bli Bli living within 400m of a bus stop
Addresses community interest in seeking public transport to, from, and within the area
Provides an urban service option for students of Good Samaritan Catholic College to use to and from school, and provides a frequent bus service for residents and students
Connections to the Sunshine Coast bus and train network
Services every 60 minutes, seven days a week
Information on the Palmview and Maroochydore bus extension and route realignment will be available closer to implementation as final details are settled.

The Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy incorporates key corridors and existing public transport modes as part of the discussion around future public transport options that deliver the best outcomes for locals.

Visit the Translink website or call 13 12 30 for public transport information or to plan your journey.

ENDS

[ozbob]

^

[SurfRail]

Good.  The 612 extension in particular is something the locals seem to have been agitating for.

Unfortunately TransLink's piecemeal approach means areas exactly like this, or even more substantially developed already, continue to miss out on incremental improvements.

Can't help but wonder if this is just politics at play.  I have a friend who works with one of the private bus operators.  He continually tells me TransLink will more or less automatically reject any proposal that requires even the slightest additional investment, even if it is negligible and even where there is a clear need.

The State continually fails to direct TransLink to implement these improvements as a matter of course - in particular, it fails to give TransLink the funding to do so even if it was inclined - and so we get a big song and dance on the relevant MP's socials whenever a few crumbs fall off the table.

[Fares_Fair]

It is SR.
With sporting venue at Parklakes and the growth in Bli Bli the 612 extension is welcomed.
We will take whatever crumbs we can get.

Regarding Harmony (Palmview) - there is no way that a bus can traverse their narrow internal roads so I look forward to seeing where that route runs.

Interestingly, I am unable to see the Facebook post above highlighting the #SunshineCoast improvements.
Looks like Mr Bailey has blocked me for this story.
I take it he doesn't want close scrutiny on what they are actually doing.

I welcome the improvements.

[SurfRail]

^ I certainly don't begrudge anybody their success when they manage to convince the muppets in charge of the joint to throw something their way.  Just wish it was easier for this kind of obvious, clearly beneficial improvement to happen more often than it does.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast route 611, 612 and 615 changes

> https://translink.com.au/updates/102346

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1541641402513498112

[City Designer]

Regarding Harmony (Palmview) - there is no way that a bus can traverse their narrow internal roads so I look forward to seeing where that route runs.

The collector roads are designed for buses and they can turn around on Flintwood Crescent.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/755-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 755
Asked on 16 August 2022

MR A POWELL ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister give consideration to a slight modification of the Route 891 bus service that
departs Landsborough station at 5.45pm, specifically pushing back the departure by 10 minutes
to allow greater connectivity with arriving rail services from Brisbane?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Glass House for the question.

Route 891 is an essential bus service that connects the Sunshine Coast hinterland township of
Maleny to rail services at Landsborough station. The route 891 timetable is designed to allow the
community to connect to both arriving and departing trains at Landsborough Station. For this
reason, the wait times are required at Landsborough depending on the direction of travel.

Between the hours of 5 pm and 6 pm on weekdays, the timetable is scheduled to connect with
the train from Brisbane arriving in Landsborough at 5.24 pm. While the bus does not depart until
5.45 pm, this allows the 6 pm return bus from Maleny to connect with the rail service departing
from Landsborough to Brisbane at 6.20 pm which serves day visitors and tourists to the
hinterland.

Given this, the 5.45 pm trip is unable to be delayed in its departure. Translink will further consider
feedback such as this when the bus timetable is reviewed as part of future rail timetable changes
on the Sunshine Coast Line.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/879-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 879
Asked on 30 August 2022

MS F SIMPSON ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to fare evasion and safety on Sunbus Services across the Sunshine Coast—
Will the Minister advise (a) how many FTE Senior Network Officers (SNO) are employed,
(b) where they are based or deployed from, (c) how many FTE SNOs patrol the Sunshine Coast
region and (d) the number of fines and infringements issued in the Sunshine Coast region on
public transport for each of the following financial years, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Maroochydore for the question.

This Government understands the importance of providing safe and comfortable public transport
for the people of Queensland. For this reason, the Department of Transport and Main Roads
(TMR) has 54 full-time equivalent Translink senior network officers (SNOs) to assist with deterring
fare evasion and anti-social behaviour on the South East Queensland (SEQ) passenger network.

The Brisbane-based SNOs (39) undertake regular patrols on the Sunshine Coast.
The SNOs operate alongside:
. 27 Queensland Rail authorised officers
. 83 Queensland Police Service rail squad officers
. 33 G:link customer service officers (CSO)
. five Bus Queensland CSOs
. seven Kinetic CSOs.

To deter potential fare evaders, authorised persons have powers to issue warning notices
(warnings) and penalty infringement notices (PINs) ($287). In the last four financial years officers
operating in the Sunshine Coast region issued:

. 160 PINS and 781 warnings in 2018–19
. 136 PINS and 592 warnings in 2019–20
. 112 PINS and 601 warnings in 2020–21
. 38 PINS and 225 warnings in 2021–22.

[ozbob]

Service updates to Sunshine Coast buses

https://translink.com.au/updates/150321

From Monday 21 November, we're updating Sunshine Coast bus routes 602, 603, 606, 614, 616, 617 and 619 to increase access to public transport and improve timetable reliability.

Some timetables and routes will be changing, including:

Bus services to the Harmony estate in for Palmview for the first time,
Bus service to the new Maroochydore CBD for the first time,
Other route improvements, addressing safety and timeline reliability issues.
If you catch these services, please use the journey planner to find your best travel option. Just remember to set your travel date to or after Monday 21 November.

[City Designer]

Route 616 extension is very convoluted going from everywhere to everywhere service via everywhere by doubling back on a loop through Sippy Downs. As predicted Flintwood Crescent becomes the new terminus.

Route 617 realignment is more direct. However, will now use a dangerous right turn from Albany Street into University Way. The intersection is on the inside of a curve, the posted speed is 60km/h, and there are insufficient sight distances for safe gap acceptance.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> Coastal town community rally wins against council, Translink

A coastal community and local Member of Parliament are celebrating a significant win after rallying against a proposed bus route that they believed "ignores safety" with its "dumb and dangerous" design.

Translink and Sunshine Coast Council had agreed to re-route a bus route into the new Maroochydore CBD via Dalby Street without any public consultation.

But the community fought back, submitting a petition against the route change to council of over 500 signatures in under a week.

Translink and Council got the message and has backed down. For now. ...

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> Success as town's 'free bus trial' cut traffic. The question is will the service be extended?

A trial to help ease traffic congestion in a busy holiday town could be extended thanks to overwhelming patronage for the program.

In February this year a 12-month trial of free busses on weekends, including long weekends, began as an extension of the Go Noosa Free Buses program that operates during the Christmas and Easter school holidays.

Based on support and customer feedback, the Free Weekend Buses trial has successfully encouraged residents, staff and visitors to use public transport to travel around the Noosa Shire.

It has been a positive congestion buster, particularly around high traffic areas of Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive, which feed into Hastings Street.

Between February and September 2022, 108,338 people used the free weekend buses.

The free buses service routes including Tewantin to Sunrise and Sunshine beaches, Parklands to Noosa Junction, Tewantin to Noosa Junction and Noosa to Cooran. ...

[Stillwater]

The free weekend buses are part of the Go Noosa initiative, which is well promoted and used.

https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/go-noosa-holidays

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> Council retains green initiative to keep traffic moving this Christmas


A free loop bus will transport passengers through a busy tourist town this Christmas.

A unique green initiative will continue to ease congestion in one of the region's busiest tourist destinations this Christmas.

Providing more than one million free bus trips since it began in 2018, the service helps shuttle passengers through the Noosa Shire as it runs on a continuous all-day loop.

The 065 Go Noosa electric loop bus allows visitors, residents and workers to easily park and ride to reach locations including Hastings Street, Noosa Junction and the Noosa River.

The electric bus run on 100 per cent green power and, with about 30 per cent of Noosa's emissions coming from vehicles, is another step towards reducing emissions locally.

The commencement of the loop bus coincides with a recent announcement that a 12-month trial of free weekend buses across the shire had been a success. ...

[Fares_Fair]

Hello SW,

This was due to go to Noosa Council for a decision on 6 December 2022.
An update on the Free services was issued by Council on 7 December 2022.
There is no mention of free weekend buses in this Go Noosa FAQ (07.12.2022) update.
I assume from this lack of information that it has been discontinued?

Link: https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/3289/go-noosa-holidays-faqs-2021-22

The free weekend buses are part of the Go Noosa initiative, which is well promoted and used.

https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/go-noosa-holidays

[ozbob]

Ditch the car with Noosa's free bus 🚍 services taking you from the coastline 🏖� to the countryside from now until...

Posted by Translink on Sunday, 11 December 2022

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1616235761740943360

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> 'So many options': free weekend bus services continued in Noosa Shire for 12 more months

A free weekend bus trial that started in the Noosa Shire last February is back due to popular demand.

Mayor Clare Stewart said last year's trial was so successful that council has teamed up with Translink again to provide the free weekend service for another 12 months, until February 11, 2024.

"We are proud to be the first council in the state to offer our residents and visitors free weekend bus travel on all services that stay within the shire," Cr Stewart said. ...

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/272-2023.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 272
Asked on 28 March 2023

MR B MICKELBERG ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to State Government subsidised school bus services on the Sunshine Coast—
Will the Minister advise (a) seated capacity utilisation rate, (b) average patronage per service,
(c) total fare revenue, (d) total subsidies paid to external operators and (e) any other costs
incurred by the State Government associated with delivering school bus services?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Buderim for the question.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is responsible for providing a single,
integrated transport network accessible to everyone. TMR works closely with delivery partners to
plan and deliver passenger transport services across the State. All routes are operated under
service contracts.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing support to Queensland families to assist
with the cost of transporting students to and from school. The Palaszczuk Government invests
approximately $180 million annually, to fund the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS).
STAS provides assistance to approximately 130,000 school students in Queensland on rail, bus
and ferry services and through the payment of conveyance allowance to parents as a contribution
towards the cost of transporting their children to and from school.

In the 2021–22 financial year, over 45,000 school bus services ran on the Sunshine Coast which
equates to approximately 1.5 million student trips. These services carry a high proportion of STAS
students.

STAS related patronage is about 66 per cent of all trips conducted on school services on the
Sunshine Coast. With reference to State Government subsidised school bus services on the
Sunshine Coast for 2021–22 financial year:

(a) the seated capacity utilisation rate was approximately 55 per cent
(b) there were approximately 33 students per service
(c) total fare revenue was approximately $650,000 excluding GST
(d) total payments to bus operators were approximately $15.4 million excluding GST to operate
these services
(e) there are no other costs incurred by the State Government associated with the delivery of
school bus services.

[Stillwater]

Free weekend buses in Noosa. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KHoGGfKZOE