By JONATHON HOWARD
THE idea of a free bus service running throughout Noosa on public holidays has received overwhelming support from residents, visitors and business owners.
The support follows the recent success of the Noosa Shire Council’s free Easter bus services.
More than 33,000 people used the free Easter buses over eight days and Translink reported almost double the number of passengers for the same period last year.
The Easter trial was likely to continue next year, however, questions have been raised over whether Noosa could benefit from a free bus during public holidays.
So Go Bar publican Gill Lavi said the Easter service boosted his business and the town was buzzing.
“I am really supportive of the idea of a free bus on public holidays,” he said.
“It allows our customers an easier way to get in and out of town, more people use the buses and it brings more tourists to town.”
UK visitor Helen Rees said having a free bus service was common in other tourism destinations.
“There were plenty of free buses in Sydney and I’ve seen more throughout my travels,” she said.
“I think it’s more convenient for visitors to have a free service occasionally, especially considering the high cost of public transport.”
Laura Schikatis was visiting Noosa from Germany and said she could barely afford the public bus ticket price.
“I think it would be a good idea – I had to pay more than $7 for a short trip around Noosa which I thought was very high,” she said.
Cooran local Fiona Griffin said her kids used the free bus and loved it.
“It’s a great idea – it will free up more parking, get more cars off the road and puts our public buses to good use,” she said.
Noosa Shire councillor Sandy Bolton, who advocated for the free Easter bus service, said the idea of a free bus on public holidays was a good one – but it would come at a cost.
“Anything that reduces congestion at peak times would be an advantage,” she said.
“I think it would be a wonderful incentive, but it comes at a cost and this is something the council needs to discuss and weigh up both the positives and negatives.”
Would you like to see a free bus service on public holidays? Have your say by emailing Noosa News on: newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
