2014-12-09 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                             9 DECEMBER 2014


Finance

Council Cabs and the Boreen Point-Tewantin Flexilink service are currently funded by the
Public Transport Levy. The Public Transport Levy is budgeted to generate $596,000 in
income for the 2014/15 financial year. The table below outlines the expenditure this financial
year to date from the levy on the existing Council Cabs / Boreen Point-Tewantin Flexilink
services, expected expenditure on the Christmas and Easter free holiday bus services, and
remaining unallocated funds.

Table 2: Public Transport Levy Budget

    Description                                                                          Total
    Public Transport Levy                                                             $596,000
    Less actual / committed expenditure:
    Council Cabs / Boreen Point-Tewantin Flexilink service (actual costs)              $17,495
    Xmas / Easter free holiday bus service (expected costs)                           $120,000
    Total actual / committed expenditure                                              $137,495
    Uncommitted Expenditure                                                           $458,505

The estimated annual budget to provide both the Boreen Point–Tewantin Flexilink and
Council Cabs services is approximately $86,000, both services follow scheduled times
(provided a booking is made).

The proposed new service would have an annual budget of $80,000 and operate on
demand.

Based on Council’s decision with respect to transport services for the 2014/15 financial year
a Budget Review submission will be prepared for consideration by Council, with Public
Transport Levy uncommitted expenditure utilised as the funding source.

Risk
•       Dissatisfaction amongst existing Flexilink and Council Cab passengers who may no
        longer be eligible for the new service.
•       The potential use of a new service is unknown.
•       According to Suncoast Cabs, there are 110 taxis available to service the Noosa area.
        During the day the fleet is utilised to approximately 60% of its capacity. On Friday and
        Saturday nights they are over-utilised by as many as 40 taxis. The only way to
        increase the number of taxis is to find more income during the day for the taxis.
        According to Suncoast Cabs, the Boreen Point Flexilink and Council Cabs assist in
        providing day time work for taxis.
•       Community Transport Services are exempt from certain licensing and accreditation
        requirements, namely operator accreditation and driver authorisation as detailed in the
        Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994. ComLink is not required to
        meet the Passenger Transport Act. However ComLink drivers are fully accredited with
        regards to Blue Cards, Police background checks and all drivers have a current Driver
        Authorisation issued by the Dept of Transport and Main Roads. Drivers must complete
        a daily vehicle checklist and report on repairs and maintenance.




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