Cairns buses: Far Northerners call for changes to ‘outdated’ Sunbus system

Far North passengers have called for changes to local bus services after public transport delays, cancellations and the inability to use a Go Card. WHAT LOCALS ARE SAYING

DELAYS, cancellations, security and ticketing top the list of complaints by Far Northerners reacting to the region’s public transport services.

Cairns locals have called for more bus stops and routes after incidents where buses have left some people stranded and on occasion have missed their stop entirely.

On a social media post, Tracy Morgan said her son had buses driven past him on multiple occasions and needed to call a cab to get into work.

Sunbus public bus at the city's main bus stop in Lake Street, Cairns has been critiqued for its unreliable service, leaving residents stranded for hours. Picture: Brendan Radke

“(We need) more bus shelters and stops along routes and security on buses,” she commented.

Elise Lesmeister, who echoed Ms Morgan’s thoughts, said she noticed public transport issues when it came to schools and school kids.

“Not improved much for 30 years. My kids can’t get a bus to school,” Ms Lesmeister commented.

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Payne Louise said: “Buses actually turning up would be good. Bigger buses on busier routes at peak times. My kids often have to wait for the next one as it fills up on the stop before theirs after school.”

Payne Louise commented on a social media post that “buses actually turning up would be good.” Picture: Brendan Radke

Other residents were disappointed with the outdated ticketing system that was decades behind Queensland metro areas, which switched to smart ticketing at the end of 2020.

Go Cards have also been available in southeast Queensland since 2008.

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“The lack of electronic payment is embarrassingly bad. Watched six tourists get let on for free because they were not carrying cash,” Kevin Doddrick commented.

“Cash is not good during Covid and drivers can’t get robbed if no cash. Sunbus stuck in the 80s, get with the program guys.”

Rebecca Barnett said: “And they’ve had the eticket things put in each bus, why not use it?”

Pensioner Ian Hardy is calling for Sunbus to expand their services and is one of many disappointed in the regions service. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“Really need to get the Go Card up and going, so annoying and inconvenient at times to have cash on you,” Kerry Clifford commented.

“Public buses up here are like decades behind the rest of the country,” Micheal Vandenberg commented.

A Sunbus spokesperson said they understand the importance of public transport and apologise for the inconvenience missed trips cause our passengers.

“While most bus services are operating as scheduled, driver availability due to above average absenteeism and illness has recently impacted some services,” the spokesperson said.

Originally published as Cairns buses: Far Northerners call for changes to ‘outdated’ Sunbus system