Petition launched to bring public buses to Douglas Shire
Affordable transport
A petition has been launched by a local transport operator to start a government-subsidised public bus service connecting Douglas Shire’s most populated regions.
Sizzling Wheels owner Channi Singh began the petition this week, with Newsport backing his campaign, in an effort to improve public-transport options for residents and tourists in the area.
Mr Singh is calling on the State Government to help fund a public bus route between the main population areas of Port Douglas, Mossman, Newell Beach and Cooya Beach, to be run in partnership with Sizzling Wheels.
“Douglas Shire residents and tourists do not have access to a regular, scheduled, affordable public bus service, which impacts a range of community members including students, the elderly, workers, travellers and those needing to access health services,” the petition states.
“As funding for public transport is a State Government responsibility, we call on the Government, and particularly Cook MP David Kempton, to support the proposal.”
Mr Singh said this week Douglas Shire needs this new service because of a lack of public transport in the region.
“Workers who are living around Mossman, Port Douglas, Newell Beach, have no affordable way to commute to work,” he said.
“People really need it because now there is no affordable transport at this stage and it’s costing too much money in taxis, or even in shuttles.
“We’re charging nearly $80 or $100 for a return trip, which is not practical considering in other parts of Cairns and Far North Queensland it’s very affordable to commute.”
Cook MP David Kempton said he has had numerous approaches in relation to support for improved public transport services both between Cairns and Port Douglas and around the region.
“Improved services would provide more transport options for workers, the elderly, families, tourists and people seeking access to services,” Mr Kempton said.
He said he is in discussion with the State Government, Douglas Shire Council and operators looking at what might be done, but stressed that 50c fares were not available in remote areas.
“I will continue to support those seeking to provide and benefit from public transport for the region,” Mr Kempton said.
Sign the petition here.
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