A RANGE of new and improved bus services are being launched on North Stradbroke Island next month to boost public transport options for residents and tourists.
The service changes, commencing Monday, December 1, include an extension to route 881 from Amity Point to Dunwich, a new stop at the Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre (QUAMPI), and additional services for route 880.
The extra 880 services will connect to an earlier ferry arrival and a later ferry departure, providing more travel options for locals and tourists, while supporting evening opening hours for local businesses.
Under the changes, route 881 will now start at the One Mile ferry terminal, travelling via Lunner St ferry terminal and QUAMPI before continuing to Amity Point.
This new arrangement will deliver a direct route for Amity Point residents travelling to Dunwich, while also improving access for visitors arriving via the Stradbroke Flyer at One Mile ferry terminal.
A new seasonal timetable will also be introduced on route 880, adding extra services during school holidays, public holidays and weekends to increase capacity between the ferry terminals and Point Lookout.
The improvements have been developed in partnership with local bus operator Bay Island Transit Systems (BITS) to better meet the needs of residents and visitors.
Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker said the State Government’s improvements to the local bus network would unlock more travel options for locals and tourists.
“These changes are the direct result of engagement with locals about the needs of our community,” she said.
“It directly addresses safety concerns that were raised by Amity Point residents arising from their need to change buses at the corner of Beehive Rd and East Coast Rd. They will now have direct services.
“It listens to the needs of visitors and local businesses about their desire to connect to Dunwich’s attractions, including QUAMPI.
“And it massively increases services during peak times, to help deal with the surge of visitors who come to make Straddie part of their family’s traditions.”
Ms Stoker said earlier and later services would make it easier for staff to use public transport to get to work than ever before, helping to connect businesses with the skills they need to operate.
“Better bus connections to ferry services and island attractions enhance liveability for residents and provide a better experience for visitors to the island,” she said.
“The work we’ve done to upgrade routes 880 and 881 also improves the reliability of buses connecting with essential ferry services at Dunwich.
“We’re not only making it easier to get around the island on public transport – but also affordable – thanks to our permanent 50 cent fares, which continue to apply to bus services.”
Straddie Chamber of Commerce Chair Colin Battersby said the upgrades were a long-awaited win for the island community and businesses.
“After years of advocacy, we have achieved buses going from the Flyer into the centre of Dunwich serving QUAMPI and the town’s businesses,” Mr Battersby said.
“Amanda Stoker MP deserves great credit for getting stuck in and batting for Straddie businesses, residents and families.”
AT A GLANCE:
Route 880 – Dunwich to Point Lookout
Daily addition of an earlier trip from Dunwich, and a later trip from Point Lookout.
- New seasonal timetable introduced with additional services during high demand periods (school holidays, public holidays and weekends).
- The service improvement will see 41 new services added each week on route 880 between Dunwich and Point Lookout, with a further 91 weekly services added to the timetable during the busy peak holiday seasons.
Route 881 – Dunwich to Amity Point
Route extension to link Amity Point with Dunwich, creating a one seat journey for residents and visitors.
- Timetable update to provide guaranteed connections with ferry services.
- New stop added at Quandamooka Arts and Cultural Centre (QUAMPI).
- New connection between ferries at One Mile ferry terminal and the centre of Dunwich.
- This change will see 112 weekly route 881 services extended to Dunwich each week, providing Dunwich residents with a direct connection to One Mile Ferry services for the first time.
