Free buses to bust traffic congestion during peak holiday period

Sunshine Coast Council today (Monday 21 December) hosted a launch to announce a new free bus service aimed at easing traffic congestion and parking problems during the region’s peak holiday period from Boxing Day to 3 January.

Council is partnering TransLink and Tourism Noosa to provide the free buses on Route 600 (Maroochydore to Caloundra) and most routes around Noosa.

Integrated Transport Portfolio holder, Councillor Vivien Griffin, said the free bus service will be funded from the new Public Transport Levy implemented this financial year.

Cr Griffin said the initiative will provide a stress-free, air-conditioned option for residents and visitors heading to the beach, shops or many of the other popular destinations along the routes.

“These free bus services offer a convenient alternative to private cars for both locals and visitors,’’ she said.

“Delivering a free service between some of the most popular beachside destinations during peak holiday times is a practical way to ease parking and congestion problems in these areas.

“This is only one element of council’s overall sustainable transport strategy and we are planning further initiatives to deliver year-round improvements to our communities.

“The free bus initiative encourages people to leave the car at home and use public transport. Hopefully it will encourage people who aren’t regular public transport users to see it as a good option at other times, too.”

From Boxing Day to 3 January free buses will run along Route 600 between Maroochydore and Caloundra as well as in Noosa (all local Noosa buses from Peregian Beach to Cooran except for Routes 630, 631, 620). Two additional free services operate from Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads, and from Noosa Junction to Tewantin (Routes 064 and 065).

Timetables are available at all Sunshine Coast Council offices, libraries, Tourism Information Centres, shopping centres and Noosa 5 Cinemas, or by phoning 5449 5200.

Contact TransLink on 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au for more details.

Summary of services free of charge from 26 December to 3 January:

Route 600 – Between Caloundra and Maroochydore

Route 626 – St Andrews Drive to Sunrise Beach

Route 627 – Tewantin to Sunshine Beach

Route 628 – Noosa Heads to Parklands

Route 629 –Tewantin to Noosa National Park

Route 632 – Cooran to Noosa Heads via Pomona and Cooroy

Route 064 – Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads (additional temporary free service)

Route 065 – (park ‘n’ ride from Cooyar Street car park) - Noosa Junction to Tewantin via Gympie Terrace and Noosa Heads (additional temporary free service)

The $2 Boreen Point – Tewantin Taxi will also be free from 26 December to 3 January.

New Year’s Eve Services: On New Year’s Eve, TransLink are operating additional services from 6:30pm to 3am on Routes 600, 620, 626 and 627. Standard fares will apply to these services, except Route 600 which will be free.