Slow start for bus service

Jessica Benton
A TRIAL bus service between the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast has got off to a slow start with limited numbers getting on board.
Building Bellarine Connections project facilitator Peter Hibbert said the Christmas period had suppressed the Queenscliff to Jan Juc summer trial service so far.
“The trial has been slow so far,” he said.
“It’s mainly because of the Christmas situation where everyone shops in Geelong but I expect it to pick up through January when the weather picks up.
“We’re hoping for a far greater influx of people using the service.
“It’s really necessary that if we’re to continue this service people need to support it, otherwise it won’t be feasible.”
The return bus service operates between Queenscliff, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay and Jan Juc, also linking up with a cross Bellarine Peninsula service from Drysdale.
The bus route links in with other public transport in the region, including the Queenscliff passenger ferry and V-line train services.
Passengers pay $3.40 for a daily pass or $1.70 for concession fares.
Mr Hibbert said the service appealed to a variety of people, especially young surfers.
“It’s being looked at as a great one for the young ones for surf, but it’s also a public bus,” he said.
“It’s good, cheap transport that enables people to get around the surf areas easily.
“It’s cheaper than a cup of coffee.”
The Independent reported earlier this year that the cross-coastal service had been earmarked after a group of local teenagers revealed a need for better connections between the coastal areas.
The Brumby Government is also supporting the trial through its Transport Connections program.
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the service would accommodate locals and tourists during the busy holiday period.
“Local residents wanted better access to neighbouring towns without making the trip via Geelong city and this need becomes even greater during the summer school holidays when the local population swells by a staggering 500 per cent,” she said.
The trial bus service will run until the end of January.