For exciting news in the South East Queensland region, SeaLink and North Stradbroke Island Buses have extended their connecting bus and ferry services for summer school holidays.
With the latest regional data on Redlands Coast Visitor and Economic data released by the Redlands City Council at their Tourism and Events forum in November identifying an increase of 20 per cent in domestic day visitors post-COVID, the extended services are a significant development for the North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) community.
Collaborating through community consultation, North Stradbroke Island (NSI) Buses, operated by Transit Systems, and SeaLink South East Queensland (SEQ) are thrilled to announce the approval of an extended bus and ferry timetable, set to transform transport options for both residents and visitors during the upcoming school holidays.
Additional buses during peak times, including weekends and school holidays, providing extra capacity during this busy period have been made possible with funding from the Queensland Government through Translink.
Already in effect and lasting until January 21 (excluding Christmas day), the timetable offers more flexibility, increased services, increased accessibility and a boost for the local economy.
SeaLink SEQ general manager Ben Renwick says this is a community-driven initiative.
“This milestone achievement is the result of feedback from the local community, businesses and stakeholders, demonstrating our commitment to collaborating and responding to transportation needs of our various customers, while enhancing the quality of connections for residents and visitors,” he says.
“It is a significant step forward in making our island more accessible for everyone. The extended services will not only benefit residents but also attract more visitors, significantly contributing to the local economy.”
Transit Systems Queensland, who operates NSI Buses, says it’s proud to work alongside the community to make this happen.
“It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common goal,” Transit Systems Queensland general manager Len Kidd says.
“The new bus timetable now provides more and better quality connections to arriving and departing ferries, resulting in customers being able to spend more time at the beach and enjoying the island.”
NSI Buses is also carrying out some infrastructure improvements at the One Mile Jetty terminus, which means vehicles can now access the terminal without delay.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards expressed her excitement for tourists and locals alike who will benefit from the increase in services over the holiday period.
“This is an excellent outcome for the people living in and visitors to the Redlands region. The funding injection by the Queensland government ensures that we are investing in our community and providing better public transport connectivity for our residents,” Richards says.
“The festive season is a busy period in the Redlands and this pilot program will help support the transportation of the increased visitors to this beautiful part of South East Queensland.
“Locals and tourists can spend more time sightseeing and shopping which provides a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“This has truly been a collaborative effort where each stakeholder came together with the one common purpose of improving and providing better public transport options to the travelling public.”