A two-year trial of ‘on-demand’ public transport on the Gold Coast is now under way, with services available seven days a week in Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines.
Minister for the Environment, Meaghan Scanlon said on-demand transport aimed to bring together people who were looking to travel at the same time, picking them up near their homes and taking them to and from selected key locations.
“The trial will improve public transport coverage for northern Gold Coast residents in locations where regular public transport services are not available or possible,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Operating every day of the week, on demand is a flexible public transport option connecting people with essential services such as shopping, jobs, healthcare and the wider public transport network,” she said.
Ms Scanlon said services would be integrated with the TransLink network, meaning that passengers would be able to transfer to buses, trains and trams using their go card.
“On-demand transport is pre-booked to maximise convenience for customers with bookings able to be made via the Translink On Demand app, over the phone or online,” she said.
“Customers using the app will be able to manage their bookings easily, track where their service is and receive real-time notifications.”
Ms Scanlon said people using the network could also book their return journey when they were ready.
“Key locations will have fixed pick-up and drop-off points,” she said.
“Other pick-up points across the zones may vary as they will not be restricted to using fixed bus stops or signage.
“This flexible approach is aimed at enhancing convenience and choice,” Ms Scanlon said.
