2021-09-07 Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                              7 SEPTEMBER 2021


           Council is aware that the operation of a free bus on the same route as a paid bus service
           does cause some confusion, however we aim to mitigate this with clear marketing.
           TransLink have advised that smart ticketing will be introduced in 2022 and ideally this
           will allow for free travel on Noosa journeys on Route 620 in the near future.
          065 Go Noosa Loop Bus
           The popular 065 Go Noosa Loop bus servicing Hastings Street, Noosa Drive, Weyba
           Road and Noosa Parade is recommended with services every 15 minutes from 7am-
           7pm and every 30 minutes from 7pm-10pm with the exception of 31 Jan when it is
           proposed to finish at 1am.
           Excluded Bus Services:
           The TransLink bus services 620, 630, and 631 travel outside of the Noosa Shire and are
           unable to be included in the free services due to the TransLink ticketing process as
           described above. Inclusion of the Noosa component of these services will be reviewed
           in the future once Trans Link’s Smart ticketing is introduced.
2.2   Park & Ride
To encourage people to park outside of the congested tourist areas and utilise free buses, Council
promotes the following dedicated Park and Ride locations:
     Noosa AFL grounds (approx. 400 car parks)
     The J (approx. 100 car parks)
     Noosa Junction Transit Centre (approx. 50 car parks are converted to 6P)
     Hide & Ride where people are also encouraged to park anywhere along the free bus routes
      and ferry route.
The Park & Ride locations are promoted through:
     Go Noosa directional signage
     Marketing material including posters and factsheets
     Variable Message Signs.
2.3   Variable Message Signs
Variable Message Signs (VMS) located on key routes around Noosa provide information on
expected car parking availability, and promote alternate travel options including free buses, park &
ride locations, bicycles and the ferry options.
2.4   Traffic Control
It is proposed to utilise traffic control, on an as needed basis, between 11 December 2021 – 23
January 2022 and 2 – 18 April 2022. The use and number of traffic controllers will be based on
anticipated demand and weather dependent.
The purpose of the traffic control is to:
     give priority to buses and pedestrians
     keep traffic moving so buses are not sitting in queues
     improve accessibility to the Noosa Heads area
     minimise traffic disruptions in the Noosa Heads area.
The use of traffic control is constantly monitored, evaluated and reviewed during operation with
changes made as required. Feedback is obtained from the community and key stakeholders and
incorporated into improvements to the operation of the traffic control. The Easter 2021 Go Noosa
survey data indicated that 63% of respondents found that the traffic control were effective at
prioritising the movements of buses, pedestrians and vehicle flow with 30% unsure. Additional
consultation with key stakeholders will be conducted prior to commencement.
The traffic controllers also undergo a specific Go Noosa training program to establish expected
customer service standards.

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