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.
A recommendation was put forward at the Council’s Services & Organisation Committee meeting on December 6 to continue the trial for a further 12-months.
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Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the 065 Go Noosa electric loop bus will be doing the rounds as it connects key locations during the peak holiday period.
She said the loop bus would run from December 10 to January 22, running every 15 minutes until 7pm, then every 30 minutes until 10pm.
“These holidays will also see a huge milestone with over one million free bus trips since the Noosa Council Transport Strategy’s Go Noosa holiday program started in 2018,” Mayor Stewart said.
The Loop bus connects Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction and riverside locations along Weyba Drive and will service a park-and-ride facility at the Weyba Road AFL ground and The J.
Along with the Go Noosa Loop Bus, it will also be free to travel on five existing Translink buses that service Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Noosa Parklands, Tewantin, Noosa Civic, Cooroy, Cooran, and Pomona.
The routes include 626, 627, 628, 629, and 632.
Noosa Council would also contracts an additional temporary route to provide a free service between Peregian Beach and Noosa Heads hourly.
The 064 Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads service runs north every 60 minutes from 7.30am to 5.30pm and south from 8.00am to 6pm.
The council also encourages residents and visitors to consider exploring alternative transport options including the Noosa Ferry or hiring an e-bike or bicycle.
“Walking and riding a bike are a great alternative to the car and can often be quicker and more convenient, especially when heading into busy tourist hubs,” the Mayor said.
“The newly completed Noosa Parade upgrade provides wider pathways and continuous dedicated cycle lanes, so it’s even easier for pedestrians and bike riders to travel along.
“For those who do need to drive in, Noosa Council will again offer paid parking, at peak periods, in the Lions Park at Noosa Heads, managed by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club.
“Half of the proceeds from the paid parking will go to Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club to fund its good work in the community.”
All-day paid parking is also available at Bay Village on Noosa Parade and Noosa Marina in Tewantin.
For more information about Go Noosa, including the timetable for the temporary route 064 Peregian service, visit noosa.qld.gov.au/go-noosa-holidays.
For timetable information on routes 626, 627, 628, 629, and 632 visit Translink or call Translink on 13 12 30.
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