NEW $7M DEAL FOR SUNSHINE COAST BUS PASSENGERS

The Transport and Main Roads Minister, Paul Lucas, today announced that new bus services would be introduced next week under a $7 million improvements package for the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Lucas said new routes, new buses, new signage and new infrastructure which could include priority bus lanes would be introduced progressively from September 12.

There also will be more services on main routes, extra weekend services, and new services to areas such as Pelican Waters and Peregian Springs for the first time.

"We are providing a new deal for Sunshine Coast bus passengers," he said.

"The public transport changes announced today will offer new and better services. Cheaper fares and integrated ticketing have seen Sunshine Coast bus passenger numbers rise by an extraordinary 16 per cent since the Beattie Government introduced TransLink on July 1.

"Our boost to local bus services will greatly improve the performance of the network - now and into the future and honours the Beattie Government's election promise made in January this year."

Member for Kawana Chris Cummins and Member for Noosa Cate Molloy welcomed the announcement.

"Students are already taking advantage of the new direct route 607 linking the University to Caloundra via Kawana Island since its introduction on July 19," Mr Cummins said.

"I am pleased to see another new service - Kawana to Landsborough Station Link service via Caloundra - will begin next week."

Ms Molloy welcomed changes to the Noosa to Caloundra route.

"These changes should go along way to helping reduce delays and shorten travel times on this longer service," she said.

Improvements being introduced from September 12:

* The current four major routes will be replaced by seven shorter routes, with new 600-series route numbers. Buses will be more likely to stay on schedule due to shorter routes. * The current Caloundra to Noosa and Caloundra to Nambour routes will be replaced by: Caloundra to Maroochydore; Nambour to Mooloolaba via Maroochydore; Noosa to Maroochydore; and Kawana to Landsborough Station Link service via Caloundra. * The existing Golden Beach to Nambour and Golden Beach to Coolum services will become: Caloundra to Nambour; Caloundra to Peregian Springs; and Pelican Waters, Golden Beach and Caloundra. * Saturday services will be doubled on the busy route between Caloundra and Maroochydore. * The new route 609 linking Pelican Waters, Golden Beach and Caloundra will provide services into Pelican Waters for the first time. * Similarly, the new route 622 will provide the Peregian Springs community with public transport for the first time. * Six new low-floor air-conditioned buses, costing $2.3 million, were recently delivered as part of the plan.

New bus infrastructure and transport systems also will be introduced beginning in December. They include:

* $2.95 million will be spent on "bus priority" measures to help reduce travel times. They may include bus lanes, bus-only signals at traffic lights, and giving buses priority through traffic lights by altering the sequence and timing of lights. * A $1.8 million upgrade of bus stop signs and bus shelters and stations is also planned as part of a three-year program. * $1.4 million has been allocated to improve passenger interchange facilities between bus and rail - and provide better park and ride facilities at Nambour, Landsborough and Woombye.

Also beginning in September, the Queensland Government will survey 2500 Sunshine Coast households to get information about their travel habits.

The survey information will help transport experts plan the area's transport needs up to the year 2021.

Mr Lucas said the travelling public would be given timely and easily understood information about the new services and timetables.

"From September 8, TransLink will have extra 'helping hands' staff on the ground to help passengers adapt to the new services," he said. "Our staff will be out in force at major interchanges, such as Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore, to answer public inquiries.

"We will also be asking Sunshine Coast schools to get involved - with presentations such as safety on public transport for students."

Mr Lucas said Sunbus drivers would be trained in the new services and the bus company would employ a customer service manager to improve the way it handles customer complaints.

Sunbus, which has the State Government contract to run buses on the Sunshine Coast, has been criticised for running late and for its buses failing to complete their routes.

Investigations by Queensland Transport found the failure of Sunbus services largely was due to increased passenger numbers and traffic congestion.

The TransInfo service had been updated with the most accurate and up to date information available, including all the information on the new Sunshine Coast services.

Potential passengers can call TransInfo for the cost of a local call on 13 12 30 to find out the new information, or look up the website at www.transinfo.com.au. Media Contact: Sonya Gillece 3237 1947 / 0407 166 084