Sunshine Coast businesses will be schooled on public transport as part of efforts to boost low patronage
April 17, 2013
Investment in bus education for local businesses is hoped to boost a low rate of public transport use on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Council has announced a series of free public transport information sessions to be held
in April and May
to give businesses tools and tips to help visitors and locals get around the coast.
Last year
Council estimated that one percent of Sunshine Coast residents used local public transport.
Council Transport Strategy Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski says trying to find public transport information can be daunting, especially when using newer online formats.
But he says local businesses, tourism operators and visitor centres can benefit from the free interactive sessions.
“Businesses can be transport ambassadors and improve customer service by having the confidence and knowledge to give clients accurate information on the coast’s public transport network,” Baberowski says.
“There are quick and easy ways to access this information and these sessions will show you how, as well as provide tips for giving good directions and handling bus and train enquiries.”
The public transport information sessions will be held at the following locations and times:
-
Lake Kawana Community Centre on April 30 from 7-9am
-
Noosa Reef Hotel on May 1 from 5.30-7.30pm
-
Maroochy Surf Club on May 2 from 6-8pm
The education sessions are
the latest
of a series of attempts to promote public transport use on the coast
to reduce increasing traffic congestion.
Late last year free fares were offered during holidays to increase public transport awareness.
A follow up survey
found that about 90 percent of people believed they would or might use public transport more as a result of the free transport program.