On the bus, for free

Councillors Sandy Bolton and Joe Jurisevic celebrate the launch of the free holiday bus with Santa.

NOOSA Council has this week launched the annual free holiday buses to help locals and visitors skip the hassle of parking this festive season.
From Boxing Day 26 December to 3 January travel will be free on all local Noosa Sunbus services, with the exception of routes 620, 622, 630 and 631.
There will also be a free temporary shuttle between Noosa Heads and Peregian Beach to help everyone get around the shire this season.
Council officially unwrapped the free Christmas holiday bus at Tewantin on Wednesday (16 December) with help from Santa.
Noosa Council planning and infrastructure director Martin Drydale said council was delighted to once again deliver the service in co-operation with Sunbus and Tanslink.
“The free holiday buses help reduce local traffic congestion and encourage residents and visitors to give public transport a try,” he said.
“With more than 43,146 people boarding the free holiday buses last Christmas, and more than 32,434 at Easter, there is no doubt how popular this initiative is.”
Travel on a range of regular services, and a temporary service will be free.
Regular services include route 626 from Sunrise Beach to Tewantin, route 627 from Sunshine Beach to Tewantin, route 628 from Noosa Junction to Noosa Parklands, route 629 from Noosa Junction to Tewantin, and route 632 from Cooran to Noosa Junction, plus the temporary bus route 064 between Peregian Beach and Noosa Heads.
For residents living between Peregian Beach and Noosa, instead of catching Route 620, the temporary service, Route 064 (operated by Sunbus) is for you.
The Boreen Point Flexilink service and Noosa Council cabs services will also be free from Boxing Day to 3 January, and normal booking procedures apply.
Generally, a weekend timetable will operate on most public holidays.
Complete the free holiday buses feedback survey on council’s website and go in the draw to win a $40 Visa gift card (survey live from Boxing Day)
Timetables are available at www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30 anytime.