Due to popular demand, the free weekend bus trial that started last February is back for 2023.
Mayor Clare Stewart said last year’s trial was so successful, Council has teamed up with Translink once again to provide the free weekend service.
“Last year, more than 142,000 passengers travelled across the shire for free on the weekend bus services included in the trial,” Ms Stewart said.
“This is great news as the aim of this trial was to change travellers’ behaviour by getting more people out of their cars and onto the buses, which is exactly what’s happening.
“The benefits of the free weekend bus services extend beyond transportation to improving social and environmental outcomes for our community.”
Council, in partnership with Translink, is extending the trial for another twelve months, until 11 February 2024.
“We are proud to be the first Council in the state to offer our residents and visitors free weekend bus travel on all services that stay within the shire,” Mayor Stewart said.
The trial includes existing Translink services on routes 626, 627, 628, 629 and 632 covering Tewantin, Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Noosa Heads, Parklands, Noosa Junction, Noosaville, Cooran, Cooroy and Pomona.
“Whether you’re looking to explore the hinterland on the 632 bus, the Sunshine Beach eateries or the southern entrance to the National Park on the 627, or the Noosa Aquatic Centre on the 626, there’s so many options with the free buses.”
Services on routes 620, 622, 630 and 631 travel outside Noosa Shire and are not included in this trial.