Gold Coast is one step closer to on demand transport, with an operator for an upcoming trial announced today.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said Surfside Buslines were successfully contracted to provide locals with convenient, accessible and reliable pre-booked on demand services.
"I committed to delivering more accessible transport options to the northern Gold Coast suburbs, and today we are one step closer to making that a reality," Ms Scanlon said.
"Surfside Buslines is a local oeprator that is known by many and I'm pleased to announce the company has been locked in for the two-year trial period.
"Surfside bring a wealth of experience as a public transport operator and as part of a network that also provides similar on demand transport trials in New Zealand.
"Accessibility is also at the forefront of this trial, with fully-accessible Hino Poncho minibuses to be used.
"The trial will commence next year, and be offered to locals within Nerang (West), Highland Park and the Pacific Pines suburbs to better connect with other public transport options, essential services and shopping precincts."
Ms Scanlon said on demand transport aims to bring together small groups of people looking to travel at the same time, picking them up near their homes and taking them to selected locations within the trial areas.
"In the Pacific Pines trial area customers will be able to travel to and from Helensvale station, Westfield Helensvale and Pacific Pines Town Centre," she said.
"The Nerang (West)/Highland Park trial area includes Nerang station, Nerang town centre, Nerang Fair, My Centre Nerang and Nerang Mall.
"On demand transport will help to fill the gap between regular bus services and more personalised services such as those offered by taxis or booked hire services.
"This trial is a great opportunity for the Gold Coast and one I am proud to be delivering as part of the Palaszczuk Government."
Matthew Campbell, Executive General Manager for Surfside Operator Kinetic, 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."
The on demand transport trial 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.
Customers will also be able to book services through a range of options including the Translink On Demand app, which will let customers pre-book and manage their bookings easily, track where their service is and receive real-time notifications.
