Keoride Pittwater: On demand bus service made permanent
Thousands of people across the northern beaches have signed up to an on demand bus service which has expanded with six new hubs.
Manly
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An on-demand bus trial in Pittwater is to be made permanent and has been extended with six new hubs after thousands of customers signed up.
The service will be fully integrated into the public transport network in late-2021.
“It’s fantastic on-demand public transport is here to stay,” state Liberal Pittwater MP Rob Stokes said.
“On-demand public transport has become a key part of the public transport mix in Pittwater since its introduction in 2017 – delivering around 19,000 trips in February alone.
“It’s a model that’s particularly well-suited to Pittwater’s challenging geography and easily connects passengers to our larger public transport modes like the B-Line and express bus services.
“The amazing thing about this trial is that even 27 months after it launched – we’ve continued to see strong demand.
“Up until February this year, the numbers were continuing to grow with more than 500 new customers each month.”
Keoride, provided by independent operator Keolis Downer on behalf of the NSW Government, was modified earlier this year to meet increasing demand and improve efficiency, with the service now picking passengers up from a safe meeting point near their home.
For passengers who are less mobile, the service can still pick up and drop off directly at their address.
During COVID-19, the operator has removed seating to allow for social distancing.
New hubs have also been introduced at supermarkets, shopping centres, pharmacies and Mona Vale Hospital to help passengers access essential services during the pandemic.
The new hubs include: Newport Coles and local pharmacy, Woolworths Mona Vale, Warriewood Square, Elanora Heights IGA and local pharmacy, Woolworths Narrabeen and Mona Vale Hospital.
People need to register with Keoride and can then call or use the app to book a pick up and pay with your Opal card or credit card.
Standard fares are $3.10 while concessions are $1.55.
For details go to nsw.keoride.com.au.