High costs, fewer patrons spell last ride for Mosman Council’s Mosman Rider bus
MOSMAN Council will expand its community transport service to coincide with the ending of the Mosman Rider bus service because of rising costs and declining patronage.
Mosman
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MOSMAN Council’s free Mosman Rider bus service will end on June 30, in part, because of declining attendances and rising costs per passenger.
The contract for the provision of the community bus service also expires on June 30. Councillors voted, during the council meeting last week, for the cessation of the bus service.
Several Mosman Rider users spoke passionately for the continuation of the service and presented a petition to council containing 283 signatures in support.
The Mosman Rider started in December 2009. At the height of its popularity, the bus attracted 49,173 passengers in 2011. But last year, there were about 22,675 patrons.
The current cost of the service is $199,750 per year, with further costs of $4752 annually for ongoing technology support and data for the tracker and counter which complement the running of the bus.
To coincide with the cessation of the Mosman Rider service, among other initiatives, the council will allocate up to $100,000 in its 2018/19 budget to meet the anticipated cost of an expanded community transport service.
The expanded service will cater for the local transport needs of residents who need it most; such as people facing significant issues with access to appropriate, alternative means of transport.
The council will also write to the NSW Government to show its support for an “on-demand” public transport trial in Mosman.