Access council's transport service for $2 each way

Sunshine Coast residents who are 60-and-over or have a disability or mobility impairment  can now access transport services  with local charity ComLink.

The not-for-profit organisation has been awarded the tender for Sunshine Coast Council’s Provision of Transport Services to Eligible Persons, funded through the Transport Levy.

Community Programs portfolio councillor Jenny McKay said the service collected eligible residents from their home and drove them to their local shopping centre for just $2 per one-way trip.

Residents are then picked up where they were dropped off and returned to their home address.

“ComLink provides transport and care services for the elderly, and transports disadvantaged and younger people with disabilities so this Council Link service, as it will be known, fits well with their charter,” Cr McKay said.

“The organisation employs 33 full-time equivalent employees and is serviced by150 volunteers at their Birtinya head office.”

Previously known as Suncoast Transport and Care, the organisation began operations in Warana in 1987 and provided more than 100,000 transport trips this year.

ComLink is one of the largest community transport providers in Australia. The organisation was recently awarded $7 million in growth funding and now has offices and staff in Bundaberg, North Lakes, Ipswich and Townsville, providing transport solutions throughout Queensland.

Cr McKay said ComLink had identified cost savings and efficiencies for the program and offered a state-of-the-art management model and multiple methods and mediums for booking the service.

“It is anticipated more passengers will be able to enjoy the benefits of this program and there are opportunities to extend services,” Cr McKay said.

“This service makes a huge difference to the lives of many residents, providing them with independence.

“Socially, the program improves community connectedness and reduces social isolation. Staying connected  is key for maintaining good  mental health, particularly for the elderly.

“I welcome ComLink on board and thank Suncoast Cabs for providing this service to the community over the past four years.”

Council Link, the Sunshine Coast Council program run through ComLink, starts this week. Eligible residents can arrange the service by phoning 5390 1288 by noon the day before their planned trip.

Council will undertake an information campaign with  eligible residents, alerting them to the new provider and advice on how to book their next trip.

For information on the program’s schedule and suburbs, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search for “council link”.