Community asked to get on-board

LISMORE City Council is asking for comment regarding the operation of the Lismore Late Nighter bus service with an online survey now underway.

LISMORE City Council is asking for comment regarding the operation of the Lismore Late Nighter bus service with an online survey now underway.

Council’s Road Safety Officer, Lisa Marshall, said the bus service has been very successful having recently received a national industry award and Council is aiming to further build on that success by seeking broader community feedback.

“Council is interested in hearing any suggestions or ideas the community may have to further refine the service so it best suits their needs,” Ms Marshall said.

“We are pleased with the operation of the service to date, having received a Highly Commended in the Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Award category at the Engineering Excellence Awards in May this year.  

“The award was presented: in recognition of the service’s continued dedication to road safety by providing a safe transport alternative to assist in reducing alcohol related offences; and also as a tribute to all the stakeholders who work so hard to keep the service operating.

“The bus service was developed five years ago in response to an increase in the crime rate within the CBD, along with an increase in the number of people being charged with drink driving offences.  Recent statistics show the initiative has contributed to a noticeable decline in the amount of alcohol related offences being reported.  

“For example, in the period from July 2010 to March 2011 there was a 40 per cent decrease in drink driving offences linked to Lismore licensed premises, compared to the same period in the previous year.  It is great to see positive results like these, and that is something we would like to see continue to improve."

Since 2006, the Lismore Late Nighter bus service has been operating every Saturday night between 12.00 am and 4.00 am at a cost of three dollars per journey with the aim of providing the community and visitors to the area with a safe, reliable and cost effective form of transport.

To participate in the five-minute survey, visit Council’s website www.lismore.nsw.gov.au and click on ‘Have Your Say’.  Surveys must be completed before Wednesday 31 August 2011.  

For further information on the Lismore Late Nighter or for assistance accessing or viewing the survey, please contact Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 1300 87 83 87.

Originally published as Community asked to get on-board