Hinterland Connect passengers are the winners of a Queensland government decision to extend their bus service for a further twelve months pending council funding.
Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the decision to keep the service operating for another year follows extensive lobbying by his office, Sunshine Coast Councillor Jenny McKay and the local community to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson.
“The Queensland Government is committed to revitalising frontline services and the Hinterland Connect is part of our stronger plan for a brighter future,” Mr Powell said.“We are a Government that listens and over the past 12 months the community have told me they want this service to stay in place.
“Minister Emerson agreed to extend the trial for another year if the Sunshine Coast Regional Council continues to share the cost on a 50/50 basis.
“This service provides essential connections to hinterland towns including Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton, providing vital links for the community to access other services and facilities including the Nambour hospital and train station and local schools.”
Mr Powell said changes to the timetable were also being discussed.
“I have also spoken to the Minister about reviewing the timetable to ensure that passengers are able to meet their connections and/or appointments in order to drive up patronage,” he said.
“This is all subject to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council stepping up and agreeing to continue funding the service for a further 12 months.
“As a hail ‘n’ ride service passengers can signal the driver between scheduled stops and board or depart the bus in safe spots along the route.”
If council agree to the funding, and the new timetable will start on Monday, 7 July following consultation with the community.