Input on bus route changes sought

TRANSLINK is inviting the Noosa community to have their say on the proposed changes to bus services on Creek Road in Noosaville.
TransLink spokesperson Miguel Holland said residents had previously shared concerns about the safety of route 628 (Noosa Parklands to Noosa Junction via Noosa Civic) buses travelling on Creek Road.
“Even though an independent safety audit in 2013 confirmed it was sufficiently safe for buses to use Creek Road, there has still been some community debate on this,” Mr Holland said.
“However, despite the findings of the independent audit, buses travelling along this route have continued to be the subject of much debate, so TransLink has agreed to Noosa Shire Council’s request to re-visit this issue.”
Noosa Council has proposed the option of constructing a bus turnaround on Lake Weyba Drive to facilitate the potential removal of route 628 from Creek Road.
“TransLink is always happy to work with council to address community concerns, however we also need to hear from local residents, bus passengers and bus operators on the proposed changes before determining how to proceed,” Mr Holland said.
“This will ensure TransLink can achieve the best, balanced outcome for the entire community.”
Mr Holland said the removal of route 628 from Creek Road would require the construction of a bus turnaround on Lake Weyba Drive, and would also result in the removal of school bus routes 5822, 5824, 5828, 5829 and 5840 from Swan Street, Wylah Street and Creek Road and travel on Lake Weyba Drive only.
It would also require the closure of the Swan Street bus stop (stop ID 302127), and a reduction in parkland parking on Lake Weyba Drive for the new bus turnaround.
“These changes may also mean that school students and customers would need to walk up to an additional 400m to access their nearest alternative bus stops and cross Lake Weyba Drive or Weyba Road,” Mr Holland said.
“We want to ensure all customers and residents understand the full impact of removing route 628 from Creek Road and the construction of a bus turnaround facility would have on their local network.”
Residents can have their say on these proposed bus changes until Sunday 28 August by completing the online survey at haveyoursay.translink.com.au or by phoning 13 12 30, anytime.