2019-06-11 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   11 JUNE 2019




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                  11 JUNE 2019

              Feedback:
              The Christmas and Easter Go Noosa feedback survey was available on Council’s website and
              Facebook page. The survey was available throughout the duration of the trials and closed a
              week after the free buses ended. Hard copy versions of the survey were distributed by Go
              Noosa volunteers in Hastings Street and Noosa Junction as well as via the bus driver
              passenger assistant. A total of 435 surveys were received (Christmas - 220 online and 98 hard
              copy and Easter - 55 online and 62 hard copy). Note, 59% of survey respondents were Noosa
              Shire residents.
              Key highlights include:
                  e  95% of survey respondents were either very satisfied/satisfied with their bus trip.
                  e  Approximately 64% of respondents would have made their trip by car if the buses had
                     not been free.
                  e  The main reason people caught a free bus was to avoid traffic and congestion, it is
                     convenient and because it is difficult to find a car park.
                  e  Interestingly, 68% of survey respond indicated that they would take a similar bus
                     service even if a small fee applied. (On week-ends TransLink buses are free for
                     children with a Go Card and $2.60 for adults therefore more could be done to
                     encourage bus use all year round)
              Open responses:
              “Really appreciated the free buses, as a local we don't go to Main Beach due to parking
              congestion so it was great that we could do that almost daily with kids over the holidays. Also
              caught the bus to go shopping and dining in Hastings St, again would not have done it if no
              bus” - Survey respondent.
              “Have been coming to Noosa each Christmas for last 3 years, this was first year that | have
              seen significantly less congestion, more bus passengers, and better traffic controls leading to
              Hastings street by the volunteers, well done made for a much more pleasurable trips to Main
              Beach.” - Survey respondent
              “A waste of rate payer's money. The buses are noisy, travel way too fast around suburban
              streets, creates confusion over what’s free and when to pay. Time delays and contribute to
              traffic congestion in the area. A simple set of shuttle buses running on a loop would be more
              than sufficient. Free buses cover too large an area” - Survey respondent
              ‘Firstly big thank you for providing free bus and extending the period. It enabled me to get to
              work in Hastings St and get around Noosa without issue of finding a carpark. Just wish it was
              subsidised all year round as people really loved the free option.” - Survey respondent
              “Cooroy and other hinterland residents are disadvantaged because the 631 service is not
              included meaning the only free service available was the 632 which has a very limited
              timetable” - Survey respondent
              “Great option — left the hire car at home! Free transport encourages us to use the bus”- Survey
              respondent
              “Thankyou! A Great service! It’s so nice that locals CAN still go to the beach without having to
              fight for car parks in peak times. Thank-you for providing this free bus service. Our bus was
              full on the day- but it wouldn't deter me from using it again in peak holiday times. My daughter
              (9yrs) enjoyed the experience. Hope it’s here to stay in holiday periods” - Survey respondent
              “Hope they continue, very positive experience. | am especially impressed with the drivers now
              days as opposed to a few years ago.” - Survey respondent
              Value for money:
              Council currently pays TransLink for loss of revenue on five local TransLink routes
              (626,627,628,629,632). In order to provide a free service to residents and visitors between

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