Let us on the bus
Hinterland residents lobby State for public transport trial
A BLIND pensioner is one of many residents lobbying the State Government to connect Tamborine Mountain to the south east Queensland public transport network.
John Vance has lived at his home for 22 years and said without the help of family he would be unable to travel to the “city for medical appointments and various functions”.
“I’ve had a guide dog for six and a half years. I like to be as independent as possible,” Dr Vance said.
“I need to go in to the city for medical appointments and various functions.
“I’m on the board for Guide Dogs Queensland, I play lawn bowls for visionimpaired people. I’m a moderately active person.
“It would be great to be able to get to the (train) station when I need to, without having to rely on my wife all the time.
“There are many people on the mountain who are disabled. Having increased access to get off the mountain would be great.”
Federal MP Jon Krause will present a petition to parliament today, requesting to trial a “demand responsive transport service” from Helensvale to the Tamborine Mountain’s 7000 residents.
The petition has gathered hundreds of signatures online, and more on paper.
“Areas in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, like Maleny and Montville, with less people than Tamborine Mountain, now have regular bus services,” Mr Krause said.
“The lack of any public transport on the mountain has been a constant issue ever since I was elected.
“I’ve made a numerous presentations to the Government over the years, but unfortunately no action has been taken.
“There is demand and there’s a need for it.”
A demand responsive transport service is considered a flexible transport option that requires users to pre-book trips, adapting its route and vehicle-size according to demand.
The service is funded by the Queensland Government, with commuters paying a flat $3 fare each trip.
Mr Krause said the service would benefit a range of people living on or visiting Tamborine Mountain.
“The elderly could definitely benefit, but also for the young people. There’s no way of getting to and from the mountain without getting a lift,” Mr Krause said.
“A lot of tourists visit Tamborine Mountain each year. A lot of operators say they would like to see options to get there without having to organise a car.
“There are still people moving on to the mountain, so the need will increase.”