Night Owl Bus faces closure

A night-time bus service which serves much of the Peninsula may fold due to a lack of funding, according to Gosford Council.

The Night Owl Bus service is set to end due to a lack of funding, despite a general decline in alcohol-related crashes and general crime in the Gosford Council area during its period of year-round operation.

The service picked up and dropped off patrons at the Ettalong Memorial Club, Woy Woy Leagues Club and Everglades Country Club, as well as the Ocean Beach Hotel.

The service also served routes at Gosford, Terrigal, the Entrance, Doyalson, Charmhaven, Toukley and Wyong.

Gosford Council last week resolved to donate $25,000 towards the service, and will be approaching Wyong council to match that figure, which will keep the service in operation until June 30.

It has also resolved to undertake a review of the ongoing viability of the service, identifying alternative funding options, and rationalisation of the service aimed at sustainability

Council has also proposed that the Night Owl Bus routes be included in those to be serviced by bus companies when the Ministry of Transport draws up the new State Government area operating contracts for the Central Coast and a report be presented to council once a decision is made on the new routes

While licensed venues and fares in part have supported the cost of operating the Night Owl Bus service, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) provides the bulk of funding.

This RTA funding runs out at the end of February and is presently not being renewed, according to a report to Gosford Council.

Senior constable Mr Dave O'Shea of Brisbane Water Local Area Command said the Night Owl service had lowered alcohol-related crashes and reduced the amount of general crime originating from or around licensed premises on the Central Coast.

"Police statistics also back claims that this service has dramatically helped swing community perceptions about drink-driving on the Central Coast," Mr O'Shea said.

Cr Craig Doyle said that the service needed to be supported by all the political parties.

"It troubles me greatly that we may lose such a fantastic initiative," Cr Doyle told the January 24 council meeting.

"It is a safe and reliable service.

"It started free, and then went to a gold coin, and now a payment between $3 and $5.

"The police have indicated to the mayor that, as a result of the service, alcohol-related crashes in the Gosford local government area have decreased, and that alcohol-related crime and assault have decreased.

"The clubs and pubs, to their credit, have seen the value in this and the users are still voting with their feet.

"The service itself needs to continue.

"But because this is a State Government responsibility, we need their help.

"We need to encourage them, Liberal, Labour or Green, at the end of the day.

"We need them to show their level of commitment and help them put their money where their mouth is.

"This is one of those things that shouldn't be political.

"It's providing a service to the community.

That's the bottom line. That's what it's about.

"It's saving lives."

Cr Trevor Drake also showed his support for the service.

"We should keep the pressure on the RTA, it is such a small cost," he said.

Cr Vicki Scott pointed out that the Night Owl Bus service was intended to be a one-off service, but that the State Government then went on to provide 12 months service.

"The State Government has been funding the service now for five years and, as a supporter of the Night Owl service, I believe council and community need to work towards taking control of this service."

Over 48,000 patrons have used the Night Owl Bus service since November 2003, with police and Gosford and Wyong Councils strongly supporting the service continuing.

The Night Owl Bus has proved particularly popular with late-night revellers as a safe means of traveling home from Central Coast clubs and pubs between midnight and 4am, according to the council report.

Gosford Mayor Cr Laurie Maher said police statistics and community support for the Night Owl Bus had shown just how valuable, and life-saving, the service was.

"It keeps many drink drivers off Central Coast roads, thereby saving lives and serious injury," Cr Maher said.

"With the service costing about $25,000 a month, considerable government support is needed to keep it going."

Wyong mayor Cr Bob Graham, described the service as a "cheap and safe transport option for residents, so we hope the State Government decides to continue funding".

Press release, January 19 Marion Newell, Gosford Council Council agenda CIT.4, January 24 Lyle Stone, January 24