Toowoomba council launches free buses for major Christmas and NYE events

Toowoomba council will trial free shuttle buses to Christmas carols and New Year’s Eve events, removing parking stress for families attending Queens Park celebrations. VOTE IN OUR POLL:

Toowoomba residents will be able to travel to major events this month with free buses under a new council trial. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba residents will be able to travel on free buses to the city’s major Christmas and New Year’s Eve events this month, as part of a new trial announced by the council.

Mayor Geoff McDonald on Tuesday announced the “Bus It Free” initiative, which will kick off this weekend with the Triple M Mayoral Carols by Candlelight at Queens Park.

The shuttle buses will also run for New Year’s Eve celebrations at the same locations, with the three routes starting from Wilsonton, Highfields and UniSQ in Darling Downs.

(from left) Rory McEwan, Amarni McEwan, Isla Robotham and Hallie Robotham at the Triple M Mayoral Carols by Candlelight last year. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The offer of free buses to major events is one of six initiative endorsed by the council following a report in June investigating uses for its public transport levy, which will be worth $6m by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.

Mr McDonald said the move would help ease congestion around the event, as well as offering locals a hassle-free approach for families.

“These fun family events are at the heart of our festive season and are now easier than ever to attend,” he said.

“The free shuttle buses mean no parking stress, no traffic headaches, and a safer way to celebrate with family and friends.

“There’s no need for attendees to book a ticket, simply check the timetable on council’s website, head to your nearest pick-up point, and hop on a special event bus to get to and from Queens Park for the Mayoral Carols and NYE – it’s that easy.”

The buses will be leaving every half-hour from their initiative stops between 3pm and 6.30pm, with return buses starting from 6pm and running until 9.45pm.

Other public transport initiatives endorsed by the council included new “flexi” routes to smaller towns and contactless payment systems over the coming years.

For maps and a full timetable of the free special event services for the Triple M Mayoral Carols by Candlelight and Toowoomba NYE visit the council’s website.

Originally published as Toowoomba council launches free buses for major Christmas and NYE events