The wheels are in motion setting up Coffs Harbour's groundbreaking free bus trial designed to showcase public transport and ease social isolation across the region.
The pilot trial is being driven by City of Coffs Harbour, Busways and Forest Coach Lines.
Stretching from Macksville to Grafton and west to Bellingen, the program will see free bus travel on existing service runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for three months.
The trial will start on Friday, 19 April and run through to Sunday, 14 July.
"This is about connecting the community, and building an awareness of how you can get around the local area by bus," City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos said of the scheme which is believed to be an Australian-first.
"Some in our community may not have used public transport for many years – let alone realise the places they can get to through our local operators in Forest Coach Lines and Busways.
"The free bus trial may prove especially valuable to older people who no longer or rarely drive, and to teenagers who rely on their parents to help them get around."
Cr Amos drove the bus trial initiative which was backed by Council at its 14 March meeting.
The three-month trial will be for existing regular services outside of the school runs.
The bus companies will provide daily statistics on the service's use at the end of the trial.
For full details of the eligible services visit here.
