Mark Bailey says the new growth program will deliver more than 2000 new and improved bus services to Queensland regions that need it most
The Queensland state government has announced more than 2000 new bus services will be rolled out in priority areas as the state also looks to ensure networks improve.
The Queensland government is continuing to drive down the cost of living with tens of thousands of Queenslanders to benefit from one of the state’s biggest boosts to bus services.
More than 2000 extra bus trips have been rolled out every week across the Gold Coast, Townsville, Sunshine Coast and Redlands as part of the $9 million investment.
“We know the cost of living is really taking a toll at the moment, especially when it comes to transport and the fuel costs, it makes investments like this so important,” Queensland transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says.
“This $9 million investment into better services by the Queensland government has brought public transport within 400 metres of home for close to 40,000 Queenslanders.”
The Bus Services Growth Program has brought public transport closer to home for tens of thousands of Queenslanders.
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This will make it easier for commuters to leave the car at home and take the bus, reducing the transport costs for families and households.
As part of the changes 1881 existing bus routes have been extended to reach more people with another 100 bus stops also installed.
The upgrades are targeted towards communities experiencing significant population growth and have introduced bus services to many areas for the first time.
“Over the past 12 months alone, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people choosing to ditch the car and instead catch a bus,” Bailey says.
“On the Northern Gold Coast there’s been a nearly 70 per cent increase in commuters using some of the bus services each week, that’s hundreds of extra people. This expansion is helping with that growing demand, adding new routes and extra services and getting them home sooner.
“Queenslanders deserve to have public transport that’s convenient, reliable and work for them, that’s why the government is investing in better services.”