Translink announces service upgrades, new bus stops, route for Whitsundays
More stops, new routes, and safer trips expected for residents and visitors using public transport in the Whitsundays.
Whitsunday
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Whitsundays residents will soon find it easier to get around on public transport thanks to fresh bus stops and a new route.
Translink announced this week a brand new route that will connect Whitsunday Plaza and Jubilee Pocket, running over 200 new trips each week.
Commuters will be able hop on the new route at 36 different places including new stops on Abell Road, Valley Drive, and Jubilee Pocket Road.
Residents in south-eastern Proserpine would also enjoy easier access to buses thanks to a route realignment that would see route 860 travel via Fuljames Street and Renwick Road.
A Translink spokesperson said these changes would improve safety and efficiency by removing the infrequently serviced stops on Beach Road and Coral Esplanade in Cannonvale and closing the Blair Street stop in Proserpine for the safer location on nearby Fuljames Street.
Proserpine primary and secondary students would be able to continue travelling to and from school, with the bus travelling along Ruge Street on the morning and afternoon trips.
Route 860 will also start 36 minutes earlier on weekdays and travel via Whitsundays Plaza for easier access to shopping facilities.
Translink is partnering with the Whitsunday Regional Council to build six stops in Proserpine and six stops in Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket.
“The stops will be progressively completed by WRC with Proserpine to be ready first, followed by Jubilee Pocket and Cannonvale,” they said, adding that timeframes are still being finalised with council.
When it comes to future upgrades around the region the spokesperson said they considers a number of factors including passenger demand, customer feedback, population trends and new developments in the area.
Member for Whitsundays, Amanda Camm, said public transport improvements would address population growth in Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket, and deliver improved links between main centres in Airlie Beach.
“Boosting our public transport network and capacity is a major win for our local community, and will have great benefits for tourism as well,” said Ms Camm.
“Doubling the number of bus routes will increase connectivity between shopping precincts as well as main attractions across Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Cannonvale.”
The changes will be in place from Friday, May 26 with commuters able to hail buses from all of the new bus stop locations, even those still under construction.
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