Go Noosa celebrates one million free bus trips

Council’s Go Noosa free holiday bus program hit a major milestone this week with its one millionth passenger trip taken.

Noosa Council has been providing free bus trips to residents and visitors since 2018. The services cover the entire Christmas and Easter Queensland school holiday period.

Noosa Council Mayor Clare Stewart said Noosa locals and visitors have embraced the Go Noosa Holiday program since its introduction over four years ago.

“Along with providing free travel on all five local Translink bus routes, the program has introduced the Go Noosa loop bus and a temporary Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads service.

“It is exciting to see the program evolve. These school holidays saw the introduction of the programs first electric bus, powered by 100% renewable energy.

“It has been great seeing a large number of locals and visitors giving their car a holiday and making the switch to public transport.”

Council’s Go Noosa team boarded the 065 loop bus today to celebrate the milestone. Passengers were treated to live music, and Mayor Clare Stewart presented one lucky passenger, Ms Donelle Shaw, with a $100 EFTPOS Gift Card and a limited edition Go Noosa beach towel.

Noosa local Ms Shaw, a regular passenger on the free loop bus, was delighted to be the lucky passenger.

“I use the free loop bus almost every day at Easter and Christmas time.

“It’s just such an easy way to get into Hastings Street for a coffee or a trip to the beach,” Ms Shaw said.

“When our grandchildren visit during the holidays we make good use of the free buses with them as well, and they love catching the bus.”

Building on the demand and benefits of the free holiday buses, the Go Noosa program expanded in 2022 to include a free weekend bus trial.

“With free buses during holidays and on weekends, residents and visitors can now travel for free to work, the shops, the hinterland or the beach for more than 140 days a year,” Mayor Stewart said.

The Go Noosa program is all about achieving Council’s transport vision of an efficient, free-flowing, innovative transport system that enhances resident and visitor experiences and results in sustainable environmental outcomes.

“It’s about changing the long-term behaviour of travellers, making it second nature to get on a bus to get around,” Mayor Stewart said.

“The Go Noosa program is becoming synonymous with Noosa and the Christmas and Easter holidays, as well as every weekend throughout the year.”