Park and ride bus service for CBD to end May 19

An end date for the CBD’s park and ride bus has been revealed amid unacceptable financial numbers for the service that’s run for 18 years.

Central Geelong’s park and ride bus service is due to end on May 19.

The City of Greater Geelong, which fund the service, said a review found operating costs and reduced passenger numbers meant it was no longer financially viable.

Council said the fixed cost to run the service, regardless of the number of passengers, meant a $3 ticket cost council $33.68.

Park and ride has operated since 2005. It runs every 10 minutes during weekday morning and evening peaks between Upper Hearne Parade, Eastern Park and three central Geelong locations.

The program was running at four percent occupancy, council said.

It has capacity to move 1,500 passengers each day but is averaging around 73 daily or 1,517 passengers a month so far this year.

Last year, an average of just 1,421 people used the service each month. Passenger numbers are still under 50 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers.

Geelong council planning and economy director Gareth Smith said poor usage and a fixed price contract meant the cost per passenger was unsustainable.

“We recognise that community members who use the central geelong park and ride shuttle will be disappointed by the news that the service is ending,” Mr Smith said.

“Like other organisations, the city is facing a challenging economic climate with rising costs, the impacts of inflation and financial uncertainty arising from the pandemic.”

“The park and ride is a discretionary service and unfortunately, the spend doesn’t represent value to the broader community, the city or the environment.”

“This is not a sustainable commercial and financial position to be in and as a result, we are having to make tough choices as we focus on protecting core services.”

Two similar bus routes, 32 and 60, can be used by commuters, council said.

Alternative parking places in central Geelong are available here geelong.link/Central-Geelong-Parking-Options.

Originally published as Park and ride bus service for CBD to end May 19