Meet the Uber-bus: Can new service fix Coast’s commuting woes?
A new ‘Uber-style’ minibus service available for Gold Coasters to order via a phone app to help them scoot to the shops or around the suburbs will kick off next week, adding another new public transport mode to ease the city’s incessant traffic congestion.
The “on-demand transport” will be available seven days a week in some Gold Coast suburbs and allows people to be picked near their homes and shuttled to selected key locations within a defined service area.
The tiny buses, known as ponchos, funded by the State Government and operated by Surfside Buslines, will fill a gap between regular bus lines and personalised services such as taxis.
The government’s Gold Coast Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the 18-seater, wheelchair-accessible buses could be called out using the Translink On Demand app, over the phone or online.
“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,” Scanlon said.
“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.”
The on demand minibuses are being launched just weeks after driverless buses also hit the road at the Gold Coast’s Main Beach as part of a nine-month trial.
The driverless Gold Coast Smart Shuttle travels up to a speed of 18km per hour on a fixed 2.4km route around Main Beach, with seven dedicated stops.
The driverless buses, a ferry trial, light rail Stage 3 extension to Burleigh and controversial Stage 4 continuation to the airport, and now the new on demand ponchos are among major public transport additions aimed at easing the city’s chronic traffic congestion.
Executive General Manager for Kinetic, that owns Surfside Buslines, Matthew Campbell, said new public transport options that were responsive to the way customers wanted to travel were vital for the Gold Coast.
“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,” Campbell said.
The on demand transport will be free for seniors and veterans travelling during off-peak hours.
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Services will be integrated with the TransLink network, which means customers will be able to transfer to buses, trains and trams using their go card.
When making a booking customers will be directed to a pickup point close their booking location or will be picked up from their door if they have a disability or can’t easily or safely get to a pickup point.
Customers can track the service and receive real-time notifications about their poncho pickup.
