Bus usage plummet unacceptable: Coast MP

Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson says falling usage in the region shows the desperate need for an integrated transport system.

28/04/05 142650i Commuters at the Plaza bus interchange. Photo :Barry Leddicoat. Picture: Barry Leddicoat

MAROOCHYDORE MP Fiona Simpson says falling usage in the region shows the desperate need for an integrated transport system.

Despite a booming Coast population Ms Simpson said data showed 120,000 fewer bus trips had been made this year compared to five years ago.

"About 8,000 people are moving to the Sunshine Coast every year but fewer people are using buses than five years ago showing that our public transport system is failing," Ms Simpson said in Parliament.

"The Sunshine Coast needs a proper integrated transport system that allows people to travel where they need to go, when they need to go there."

Ms Simpson's calls came despite recent data acquired through Right to Information showing bus usage had increased by almost 3 per cent this year compared to last year.

That was driven largely by a 188.8 per cent increase in passengers on the Maroochydore to Sunshine Coast University Hospital via Kawana route, which increased from 47,746 passengers in 2016-17 to 137,890.

Fiona Simpson at Mount Coolum concerned at the lack of toilets. Picture: John McCutcheon

Hinterland routes also experienced significant growth but the Caloundra to Maroochydore service dropped by almost 10 per cent.

The Kawana to Maroochydore to service also declined by 21.29 per cent in the last financial year from 74,911 passengers to 58,966.

The Nambour to Maroochydore via Bli Bli service jumped almost 20 per cent to more than 113,000 passengers last year.

Ms Simpson called on the State Government to get serious about an integrated public transport system in the region.

"We need to more effectively use the infrastructure that we have, as well build infrastructure that will improve connections," she said.