The introduction of permanent 50-cent public transport fares has heralded the end of an era for a local transport scheme.
Noosa Council has announced it will no longer fund its free holiday busses, instead driving other changes to its Go Noosa Holiday program.
Director of infrastructure services Shaun Walsh said the changes were supported by councillors at the January 20 general committee meeting.
He said the funding would be redirected into new transport initiatives that align with community demand and future priorities.
“Council is extremely appreciative of the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to affordable public transport, which aligns with our Go Noosa Transport program, that aims to deliver more efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly transport methods within our shire,” Mr Walsh said.
“Since the introduction of 50-cent public transport fares by the state government, public transport patronage in the Noosa Shire has risen by 22 per cent on weekdays and 9 per cent on weekends.
“With 50-cent fares now locked in permanently by the state government, council has an opportunity to redirect its previous investment in free weekend bus services to other sustainable transport initiatives that can meet the emerging needs and priorities of residents in the Noosa Shire.”
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The Go Noosa Holiday Program, which includes the free weekend bus services, is funded through the council’s Sustainable Transport Levy.
Despite rising costs associated with delivering the Go Noosa initiatives, the levy has remained unchanged since 2018 and is currently running in a deficit.
“Guided by our Transport Strategy, council is currently investigating a number of future opportunities and initiatives including improved park-and-ride services, supplementary local bus services to support the needs of local residents, funding for improved pedestrian and cyclist pathways, and opportunities to integrate more e-transport methods,” Mr Walsh said.
Other changes endorsed by the council include the continuation of a three-month trial of recent kerbside parking and loading arrangements in the Hastings Street precinct, to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, following positive feedback from local businesses.
Noosa Council is also conducting a comprehensive review of the Flexi-link and Council Cabs services to evaluate usage and cost effectiveness.
