2014-09-16 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     16 SEPTEMBER 2014


4                         BOREEN POINT-TEWANTIN FLEXILINK SERVICE
DOCUMENT IN FOR MATI ON




Author                            Senior Project Officer, Joanna Ferris
                                  Planning & Infrastructure Department

Index                             ECM\ Subject\ Traffic and Transport
                                  ECM\ Project & Contract\ Flexilink

Attachments                       1.    Route Map
                                  2.    Boreen Point- Tewantin Flexilink Patronage 2005-14


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Boreen Point-Tewantin Flexilink service is a Noosa Council initiative which commenced as a
trial in 2005. The purpose of the service is to provide transport in areas not currently serviced by
TransLink public transport services.

The Flexilink service is available to anyone and connects passengers to their nearest public
transport services and shopping precinct.

Suncoast Cabs operate a return service 3 times a day, Monday to Saturday at a cost of $1 for
concession card holders and $2 for adults per single trip.

In the nine months from November 2013 to July 2014, the service had an 88% utilisation rate.
There were a total of 2,709 passengers carried with an average of 82 individuals utilising the
service per month at an annualised average subsidy of $787.56 per individual. 85% of
passengers carried were concession card holders.

The 2013/14 annual cost for the service was $65,200.55 (excl GST).

Council is charged a flat rate of $50 by Suncoast Cabs for one way trips and $80 (excl GST) if
the service is booked in both directions. Council is only charged if a booking is made. Fares have
not increased since the inception of the service.

The overall cost to Council to operate the service could be reduced by increasing fares. Two
options for consideration include:

Option 1:                       $2 concession and $4 adult - reduces the annual cost of operation by
                                approximately $4,524. (Estimated annual cost for 2014/15 = $62,111).
Option 2:                       $3 all users - reduces the annual cost of operation by approximately $7,202.
                                (Estimated annual cost for 2014/15 = $59,433).

The greatest saving is made by charging a flat rate of $3 for all users (Option 2) however
charging $2 for concession card holders and $4 for adults (Option 1) is consistent with existing
TransLink public transport fares (using a gocard).

Informal discussions with TransLink, with reference to incorporation of the Boreen Point-Tewantin
Flexilink into the TransLink bus network, highlight that the route is not considered a high priority
compared to the many other potential services for the area.




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