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New Bus Service For Buchan And Surrounding DistrictsA new passenger and freight bus service for the townships of Gelantipy, W Tree, Buchan, Nowa Nowa, Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale started today. By news@gippsland - 4th July 2005 - Back to News It is the first time a bus service has operated this route in 45 years.
The introduction follows a united effort involving the new operator Buchan Bus ‘N’ Freight, Department of Infrastructure, Let’s GET Connected Gippsland East Transport Project, East Gippsland Shire Council and local community members.
Owner/operator Drew Beaven says the service will run three times a week leaving 8.00am on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays arriving at Bairnsdale Railway Station at 10.50 am, well in time to connect with the train.
Mr Beaven, who recently completed the Transport Management course in Bus and Coach Operations said the timetable was designed to allow passengers four hours in Bairnsdale before the bus began its return journey at 2.50 pm.
"This is an ideal period of time for anyone who may need to attend health appointments, make visits to professional organisations, for shopping or just visiting friends and relatives."
"To ensure full safety for every passenger, the 14 seat bus is equipped with seat belts as well anchorage points for child seats."
The maximum fare from a full distance round trip is $25.00, concession cardholders and children between 4 –15 years are half the adult fare and for ‘under fours’ there is no charge.
Mr Beaven has used an innovative approach to maintain service viability by providing a "next day" delivery freight service that will meet a need for consignments such as white goods, plants, fruit and vegetables, farm supplies, mechanical parts, parcels, building supplies, medical prescriptions, blood products and a video & library return service.
"We will tow a freight trailer that can take most items up to 2.1 metres long, 1.2 metres high and 1.48 high," he said.
East Gippsland Shire Council’s Transport Project Officer Rhonda James said the new service was an important step to press for better transport links and access to services and social activities between the shire’s more remote communities and major town centres.
"Our feasibility study has shown there is a keen demand for the service and we expect it will become extremely well patronised, she said.
"Transport initiatives such as Buchan Bus ‘N’ Freight will play a large role in enhancing the health and well being of our remote and isolated communities as highlighted in the East Gippsland Community Well Being Plan and Vichealth’s Relationship between Transport and Health Study"
Ms James said that the service will be trialed for a period of 12 months and if the service is successful the Department of Infrastructure will be a position to use the Buchan Bus ‘N’ Freight model in other remote and isolated communities in Victoria.
Further information – Rhonda James, 5153 9500 or 0417 707 525
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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