While most Queenslanders are receiving permanent 50c public transport, Douglas Shire residents without a car pay a minimum of $50 to travel about 20km between Mossman and Port Douglas.

But private company Sizzling Wheels owner/operator Channy Singh told Newsport this week he has a bus ready to go for a public run between Douglas Shire’s two most populated towns, and just needs backing from the State Government to make the service more viable longer-term.

“We can start up with one run daily on weekdays from Mossman to Port Douglas and return later in the day,” Mr Singh said.

“Pick up in Mossman from Raintree Cafe at 8.30am and return to Mossman from Coles Port Douglas at 2.30pm.” 

“If we get some subsidies from the Government we can offer two or three runs every day,” he said.

“Depending on the demand.”

Cook MP David Kempton said last week he was willing to advocate with his Government for public transport to be introduced to the region if the local demand was there.

And other tourism-industry operators have told Newsport that, if there were regular public transport services operating, workers would be able to commute better between towns, opening up more employment opportunities.

The State Government this week said more than 96 million trips have so far been taken on public transport since permanent 50c fares were introduced in February, which was “delivering cost of living relief and saving Queenslanders almost $200m”.    

“Since the permanent cost-of-living relief was delivered in February, data to the end of July shows there has been a 16 per cent increase in trips on the public transport network across South East Queensland,” the statement outlined.

“Buses saw the biggest jump in patronage numbers, with customers taking more than 59 million trips.”