On-demand bus service will extend into The Bays

The State Government has announced it will continue the Peninsula's on-demand bus service for another six months, extending it into The Bays area.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Mr Andrew Constance said: "On-demand services are in a trial phase and what we are doing now is trialing a change to the service footprint."

As part of the changes from February 1, the CoastConnect service has been expanded to meet customer demand in Horsfield Bay, Phegans Bay and Woy Woy Bay.

The changes also mean some customers may now need to walk a short distance to a meeting point to be picked up.

The Bays Community Group has been pressing for extension of the service into The Bays area since the service started.

Group president Ms Cathy Gleeson welcomed the new service.

"After contacting the Minister for Transport and the local Members of Parliament, we are thrilled we've had success,'' she said.

"The local community is very happy it has come to fruition.

"We have to keep getting the word out there so people know about the service.

"As long as I see it out and about, that's great."

The service is operated by Central Coast Community Transport.

Chief executive Mr Steve Paul said the service would be made more efficient and accessible for more people by asking passengers to walk a short distance to a meeting point to be picked up.

He said that, in response to customer feedback, the service hours had been increased by half an hour per shift, operating from 5.30am to 8.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm Monday to Friday.

He said customers could book through a phone app which worked out where the meeting point would be.

During the trial, customers may send feedback to info@coastconnectservices,com au.

The NSW Government launched CoastConnect in May, offering passengers a new way to connect with local transport hubs.

The trial bus service operates in the morning and afternoon peaks, providing a commuter service connecting passengers on the Peninsula to Woy Woy station.

Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch said, "The flexibility of on-demand public transport also encourages commuters to leave the car at home, which will in turn help free up more parking spaces near Woy Woy station."

SOURCE

Media release 30 Jan, 2019

Ben Sheath, Office of Adam Crouch MP

Interview 6 Feb, 2019

Cathy Gleeson, Bays Community Group

Interview, 5 Feb, 2019

Steve Paul, Central Coast Community Transport

Reporter: Merilyn Vale