New bus network in motion for hospital opening

Additional routes, improved frequency and reduced fares are just some of the benefits to come as the Sunshine Coast gears up for the official opening of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).

From January 23, bus services will change for Sunshine Coast locals following the opening of the SCUH to staff.

Among the changes is a new bus network for Nambour, which will assist with transporting the increasing number of health service staff preparing to accommodate patients from April.

Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said TransLink’s improved services offered more direct services to the hospital from key locations across the Coast including Maroochydore, Kawana, Caloundra, USC and Nambour.

“The additional services will be a vital link for the increasing number of staff, students and patients attending the new hospital,” Cr Baberowski said.

“Improved bus connections between Nambour General Hospital and the new SCUH will better meet the public transport requirements of staff, patients and residents across the Coast.

“Nambour residents will benefit from a number of improved connections to meet the needs of nursing staff, ensuring they are able to catch a bus home following their rostered shifts.

“Along with two additional new routes for Nambour, these changes will provide an increased frequency of services from twice daily to four times a day on weekdays.

“Residents of Maroochydore will welcome a new bus route, operating every 30 minutes on weekdays, with adjustments to the span of hours to allow nursing staff and students to access the hospital during core operating hours.

“Caloundra customers will benefit from increased frequency as the existing hospital route will be upgraded to operate every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.

“TransLink has implemented changes to the routes and timetables based on their community feedback process, demonstrating that Sunshine Coast and Nambour residents chose to have their say on shaping the public transport network.

“These changes mark significant progress to achieving council’s long-term transport network vision for the Sunshine Coast, with the best way to improving public transport services being to demonstrate demand.”  

To read TransLink’s community consultation results, head online to translink.com.au or call 13 12 30, anytime.

For details about the finalised network, how your journey will change and your new bus timetable, keep an eye on the TransLink website.