Added night bus services at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast will now make it easier to get home safely thanks to a 12-month trial.
Translink routes 616 and 600 will be extended to service a new late-night bus stop 180m from Ocean Street and the Maroochydore Safe Night Precinct (SNP).
Route 616 will offer 10 trips after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays connecting Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buderim, Sippy Downs (UniSC) and Palmview.
Route 600 will continue to offer 11 trips from 10pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights between Maroochydore and Caloundra.
There are also late-night services between Maroochydore and Noosa on the 620.
The cost of the fares remains at 50 cents.
The extension of the routes and services is aimed at improving walk-up access to public transport between the three Coast SNPs: Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Caloundra.
SNP president Scott Hoskins said the trial was crucial for the sustainability of the precincts.
“Everyone is going to benefit from a successful trial, especially small businesses with additional inbound customers, as well as locals heading outbound to all of our other sub-SNPs in Mooloolaba and Caloundra,” he said.
“It’s about getting people to their destination as much as it is about getting people home safely.
“There’s a bit of a stigma around getting on a bus but everyone has a responsibility to be part of the transport solution and we are so pleased to see funding from council allocated to this Translink trial.”
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Sunshine Coast Council Transport Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the council was pleased to be leading the charge on the trial to deliver additional services.
“The late-night service between Maroochydore and Palmview is a welcome transport improvement for residents and visitors who love soaking up the atmosphere in Ocean Street,” he said.
“By bringing services closer to Ocean Street and expanding coverage, we’re making it easier for everyone; from students, to shift workers and late-night revellers, to get home safely and affordably.
“If people want to keep these extra services long-term, they need to get on board the bus and there’s a strong demand for these services, during this trial.”
