Golden Plains Shire Council has extended the Golden Plains Community Bus Trial to 23 December 2021.
Launched in July, the bus trial was intended to end on 8 October, however COVID-19 restrictions have meant the service was unable to operate for several weeks. To ensure a full trial and greater understanding of the need for transport in the Shire, the service will be extended until Thursday 23 December, 2021.
All Golden Plains Shire residents are welcome to use the bus and the service is free for all passengers during the trial period. A project of Council, the Golden Plains Community Bus trial is funded by the Victorian Government and a sponsorship from Buninyong & District Community Bank.
In the south, the Golden Plains Community Bus service is provided in Teesdale, Inverleigh, Shelford, Bannockburn and Batesford, travelling to and from Geelong Waterfront every Tuesday. In the north, the bus service is provided in Linton, Scarsdale and Smythesdale, travelling to and from Delacombe Town Centre and Stockland Wendouree in Ballarat every Thursday.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged local community members to try the bus during the service trial this year.
“Council is very pleased to extend the trial of the Golden Plains Community Bus. We’ve had very positive feedback from the residents who have used the service, however the recent series of lockdowns in regional Victoria has stopped the bus from operating on many days over the past few months.
“Council developed this trial in response to community requests for more transport options and to gain information and feedback to inform future decision on local transport. The extended trial will allow us to meet this goal and we are able to achieve this with the existing funding secured for the service.
“If you’ve seen the bus and thought about taking a ride, please call up, make a booking and give it a try. We hope to see many local residents take advantage of this free transport trial through to Christmas and enjoy the Golden Plains Community Bus.
The bus timetable and maps are available at Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community-bus and printed copies can also be picked up at the following locations: Council’s Customer Service Centres, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale; Linton Takeaway, Scarsdale General Store, Smythesdale Post Office, Ross Creek General Store, Inverleigh General Store, Teesdale General Store and Post Office, Bannockburn Post Office and Cape Clear Store.
The Golden Plains Community Bus service is operated under COVID-19 guidelines and all passengers must wear face masks. The bus has limited spaces and booking are essential. For more information or to make a booking, call 5220 7151.