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The Gold Coast's newest mode of public transport kicks off on Monday, March 28, with on demand transport available seven days a week in Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said on demand transport aims to bring together people who are looking to travel at the same time, picking them up near their homes and taking them to and from selected key locations within a defined service area.
"This trial is part of the Palaszczuk Government's $326 million investment in bus infrastructure, and the broader Palaszczuk Government's 4-year record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland's economic recovery from COVID-19," Minister Scanlon said.
"The two-year trial of on demand transport will improve public transport coverage for northern Gold Coast residents in locations where regular public transport services are not available or possible.
"Operating every day of the week, on demand is a flexible public transport option connecting people with essential services such as shopping, jobs, healthcare and the wider public transport network.
"Services will be integrated with the TransLink network, meaning that customers will be able to transfer to buses, trains and trams using their go card."
"Connecting our city is something I'm deeply passionate about having grown up west of the M1 which is why I made this election commitment that we're delivering".
Minister Scanlon said on demand transport is pre-booked to maximise convenience for customers with bookings able to be made via the Translink On Demand app, over the phone or online.
"Customers using the Translink On Demand app will be able to manage their bookings easily, track where their service is and receive real-time notifications," she said.
"When booking, customers will be directed to a pickup point close to their booking location."
Customers can also book their return journey when they are ready.
Key locations will have fixed pick up and drop off points. Other pickup points across the zones may vary as they will not be restricted to using fixed bus stops or signage. This flexible approach is aimed at enhancing convenience and choice for customers.
"In the Pacific Pines trial area customers will be able to travel to and from the key locations of Helensvale station, Westfield Helensvale and Pacific Pines Town Centre.
"In the Nerang/Highland Park trial area the key locations include Nerang station, multiple stops in Nerang town centre, My Centre Nerang and Nerang Mall.
"If you have a disability such as a mobility or vision impairment and can't easily or safely get to a pickup point we will aim to pick you up from your door. Make a note of your accessibility requirements in your profile settings when you register."
Gold Coast public transport operator Surfside Buslines, owned by Kinetic, will run small buses - known as ponchos - in the service areas.
Matthew Campbell, Kinetic's Executive General Manager for Queensland, said Surfside was excited to expand its offering in the region.
"The geography of the Gold Coast is diverse and so are the travel needs, and it's important that through our partnership with TransLink we continue to offer public transport options that are responsive to customer feedback and travel behaviours," Mr Campbell said.
"As cities become increasingly intelligent and public transport users seek flexibility, demand responsive travel has an important role to play in the region's broader public transport system and this is something we have experienced in other cities where we have operated similar trials.
Minister Scanlon said other Palaszczuk Government transport news on the Gold Coast includes the $1.044 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, currently in construction.
On demand transport will be free for seniors and veterans travelling during off-peak hours (8.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends). To be eligible you must be a resident of the Gold Coast, and you must have a sticker on your Seniors go card.
