People in Coffs Harbour will get the chance to try out the ease of bus travel with free trips on offer thanks to a new collaboration with City of Coffs Harbour.

The free bus travel trial applies to Busways and Forest Coachlines route services in Coffs Harbour and to/from neighbouring areas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday 19 April to Sunday 14 July 2024.

The idea was born to promote public transport use and help ease social isolation throughout the region.

“This is about connecting the community and building an awareness of how you can get around the local area by bus,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos said of the scheme which is believed to be an Australian-first.

“Some in our community may not have used public transport for many years – let alone realise the places they can get to through our local operators in Forest Coach Lines and Busways,” Mayor Amos said.

The pilot initiative is a collaborative endeavour by City of Coffs Harbour, Busways and Forest Coach Lines.

Spanning from Macksville to Grafton and extending westward to Bellingen, travellers have the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Busways North Coast Area Manager Juliana Meta hopes it will give more locals and visitors a chance to experience the benefits and independence of using the bus network.

“We firmly believe in the power of collaboration, and we hope that this initiative will not only foster social interaction but also encourage the incorporation of public transport into daily routines,” Ms Meta said.

“Some locals don’t have access to a car, relying on others for appointments, to visit friends and get out and about – we hope they will start using buses for travel to daily activities and enhance their lifestyle.”

A comprehensive report evaluating the impact of the project will be submitted to the Council for assessment at the end of the trial.

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