SUNSHINE COAST BUS BONANZA

There are more opportunities to get onboard, as the Palaszczuk Government rolls out improvements to Sunshine Coast bus routes.

Starting on Monday, November 21, route 616 will be extended to Palmview, routes 614, 617 and 619 realigned, and routes 602, 603 and 606 undergoing timetable adjustments.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the changes reflected the growth in the region.

“There are more people moving into the Sunshine Coast region, and more services becoming available, so this is a critical time to improve bus connectivity and reliability,” Minister Bailey said.

"There will be buses into parts of Palmview for the first time as route 616 is extended from the University of the Sunshine Coast to Harmony estate via key Sippy Downs locations including two shopping centres and three schools.”

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt celebrated the announcement, funded as part of a $27.2 million uplift program.

"The extension of route 616 to Palmview is the first service change to see rubber hit the road as part of the program after the Sunshine Coast secured this funding in the 2022 State Budget,” Mr Hunt said.

"In a boost for staff and visitors utilising the new Maroochydore City Centre, bus routes 614 and 619 will be realigned to stop on First Avenue, the central spine for the new CBD.

"Other changes to bus routes in the region reflect changing traffic conditions, with adjustments also planned for routes 602, 603, 606 and 617.

“This is fantastic news for our growing community, which will make it easier than ever to travel through the region.”

Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said other minor timetable adjustments would also be made across the network.

“Timetables can often be confusing for first time bus users, so we want to make sure our simplified timetable provides all the information you need in the easiest way possible,” Mr Skelton said.

“The level of investment on the Sunshine Coast is a testament to the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s commitment to improved transport services.

“Right now, early works are underway on the duplication of the train line between Beerburrum and Beerwah, as part of the Beerburrum to Nambour Stage 1 upgrades.

“Earlier this year we also we announced buses would be extended into the developing areas of Kawana and Bli Bli, and now we’re backing that up with an extension into Palmview.

“That’s better access for communities, and less congestion on our roads where locals are leaving the cars at home.

"The overall suite of bus improvements will help to make public transport an option for trips people are making on the Sunshine Coast, including to the new City Hall and Council Chambers."

Summary of route changes:
• 602 – minor timing changes to trips towards Caloundra to improve on-time-running
• 603 – minor change to some trips to ensure trips start on time
• 606 – service to run in a continuous loop, improving efficiency and simplifying the timetable
• 614 – realigned to service Maroochydore City Centre PDA
• 616 – route extended from USC to Palmview via Sippy Downs attractors such as shops and schools
• 617 – realigned in Sippy Downs to reflect changed local conditions
• 619 – realigned to service Maroochydore City Centre PDA.

Head online to the Translink website or call 13 12 30 for public transport information or to plan your journey.