The NSW government has announced a major public transport boost in Coffs Harbour, with its public bus network set to be overhauled from October 30.
In the major changes, more than 200 extra bus services will be added each week alongside an expansion of the popular Woopi Connect on demand service.
The government says the service improvements will roll out across the Coffs Harbour bus network, covering a large area stretching from Grafton and Red Rock in the north to Macksville and Grassy Head in the south, as well as Bellingen and Bowraville in the west.
The improved network will include weekday buses every 30 minutes between Park Beach Plaza, Park Beach, the jetty and Coffs Harbour CBD, as well as to and from Southern Cross University and Toormina Gardens.
There’ll also be faster and more direct bus services between Coffs Harbour and the northern beach suburbs, while new weekday peak express services will run to connect onward travel towards Coffs Harbour.
Additionally, more weekend and public holiday services will run alongside extra services to Coffs Harbour Airport and town bus services to be made available in the Bambara Drive housing estate.
“From the end of October there will be more than 200 extra weekly bus services for residents and visitors to Coffs Harbour,” NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“This represents an increase of around 19 per cent on the current timetable.”
In addition, the popular Woopi Connect On Demand bus service, which already provides flexible and convenient public transport options for people in Coffs Harbour’s Northern Beaches area, will expand to include Sandy Beach and Emerald Beach.
Woopi Connect will also extend its hours of operation, including longer hours on Saturdays and brand new on-demand services on Sundays and public holidays.
Transport for NSW has worked closely with Coffs Harbour City Council, Forest Coach Lines and Busways to plan the new bus network which is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program.
“One of the main benefits will be more regular and direct services, making public transport an even more attractive and hassle-free option for locals and visitors, while at the same time reducing congestion on our roads,” Aitchison says.
“The NSW government is committed to delivering and investing in better public transport services that every member of the community can benefit from.
“The changes I announced are the result of listening to what the community wanted, building stronger partnerships with transport providers and valuing the pivotal role public transport plays in connecting communities.”