Cash for outdated bus system
More vehicles and jobs part of $1.5 million funding from Queensland Government
THE Queensland Government will spend an extra $1.5 million a year to try and correct falling passenger numbers on Toowoomba’s outdated bus network.
Assistant Transport Minister Glenn Butcher yesterday revealed further details about TransLink’s new network in the Garden City, which will be launched on June 19.
The news comes as Toowoomba residents continue to shun public transport with the bus network experiencing nearly 200,000 fewer passengers annually between 2008 and 2015.
Mr Butcher said three extra buses, 11 new drivers along with increased trips and routes would improve passenger numbers on a system he emphasised was more than a decade out of date.
“What this is creating is 11 new jobs on the ground, driving these buses in and around Toowoomba,” he told the media yesterday.
“It’s absolutely fantastic for the 11 new workers, but on top of that, over $500,000 has been spent on infrastructure, upgrading some of our pick-up spots, as well as $1.5 million spent on this service every year.
“This has been ongoing since September-October last year when we consulted with the public both in shopping centres and also a survey that has been done.
“What we’re doing here hasn’t been done for 12 years.”
Other changes included shifting the Grand Central bus stop to Victoria St, while the buses will start earlier and finish later in and out of the CBD.
Mr Butcher re-iterated the network would not feature the Go Card ticketing system, saying it was not cost-effective since a new scheme was in the pipeline.
He said the changes should lead to faster commuting across the city.
“We have joined together a couple of routes, so what they will do is streamline the routes, so you would imagine times would be quicker,” he said. “This is new for Toowoomba, so this will be a fantastic opportunity for people to get re-engaged in public transport.”