Multiple new bus stops will be added to form the growing bus network in the area
Fast-growing estates along the Sunshine Coast are set to receive their first taste of public transport as the first public bus routes in the area have been announced.
Areas that are rapidly growing in population, including the Harmony housing estate, will be finally connected to public transport later this year.
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt says five new bus routes will be extended or rerouted in four southern Sunshine Coast spots.
“Meridan Plains and Bli Bli locals are set to experience new bus services with routes 611 and 612 being expanded from July 11 to service new areas for the first time,” Hunt says.
“An extension of bus services into rapidly developing Palmview is planned for later this year, providing Harmony Estate residents with access to a bus service for the first time and supporting the development of future estates in the planned community.”
Further changes include realigning Maroochydore’s 614 and 619 routes to provide access into the new City Hall and Council Chambers developments.
Areas like Kawana and Bli Bli were already identified as growth areas as part of the southern Sunshine Coast public transport strategy.
“Providing buses into developing residential areas will mean communities are better connected with key services, including access to the broader public transport network,” Hunt says.
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Queensland transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says the new areas in the public transport network made for an exciting development.
“We’re able to connect the growing region to public transport by capitalising on existing services,” Bailey says.
“It goes to show that making small changes can make a big difference in the lives of commuters and will make public transport accessible to more people.”
Routes 612 and 611 will also be extended, with nine new bus stops to be built along 612 while two new stops will be added for route 611.