Island bus services unchanged says TransLink

A Bribie Island resident’s claim of a cut to bus services has been refuted by authorities.

translink -- BC168371 Translink is announcing $1 million for 302 new bus services for the area around Bribie Island and Caboolture.

Transport authority TransLink says there has been no change to public transport on Bribie Island and public transport continues to run as scheduled throughout southeast Queensland.

The advise follows a Facebook post by island resident Greg Eaves who said drivers at the local bus service were formally advised by their employer on March 27 that TransLink has instructed all their southeast Queensland bus contractors to cut services during COVID-19.

“It is understood that the 640, 641,642, 643 and 644 services will be operating on a Saturday timetable as of April 12 with some additional services,” Mr Eaves said.

Get 28 days digital access free (T&Cs apply)

‘This decision by TransLink is totally unacceptable and will have a devastating effect on members of our community who depend on our TransLink bus services to get to work, the shops and medical appointments, etc.

‘Our bus services are an essential service to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A spokesman for TransLink said TransLink and its delivery partners were working together to manage the challenges posed by COVID-19, to ensure the safety of staff and customers and the continued delivery of essential services.

‘Present health advice is to limit all non-essential travel and we thank customers for following this advice,” the spokesman said.

“As a result, we have seen passenger numbers drop by about 80 per cent over the past fortnight.

“COVID-19 is also impacting the number of bus drivers able to deliver public transport services.

“While no timetable changes are currently planned, they may be required as we continue to manage the challenges of COVID-19 in coming weeks.

“Customers can keep informed through our regular communications channels including the TransLink website, My TransLink app and social media channels.”