Bus trial teetering MLA wants changes to increase patronage

THE future of a Collie to Bunbury bus service is in doubt with “very low” usage demonstrated halfway through the 12-month trial period.

Since the start of the trial last October, the patronage has been very low, with some buses carrying no passengers.

When the service was launched Premier Mark McGowan said the service needed to be actively used for it to continue after the trial period.

“People need to use it, we cannot run a bus service with no-one on it,” he said.

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns is keen to see the service continue and is conducting a survey to see if there are any changes the community want to make the service more attractive to travellers. This includes asking people about a smaller bus making the daily trip.

“A smaller bus would give more options for stops on the journey as it wouldn’t require the same level of access to large pull-in bays and would have a smaller turning circle,” she said.

“These changes could add flexibility to the bus route.

“I fought for a bus trial for the Collie and was successful in securing an every day service to Bunbury.

“With this low level of patronage, I have advocated to the Department of Transport to review the service to try and

Making good things happen

improve usage before the trial finishes.” Mrs Hanns said it was made clear to the community at the start of the trial that the service would only be sustained beyond the trial period if people made use of it.

“I encourage everyone to provide feedback to me in the survey and remind everyone the bus is there, so please get on board and take your next trip to Bunbury via this amazing service.”

Boomers night

Saturday, 6pm onwards Club Hotel, music, dancing, 50s,60s, 70s, counter meals available.

Rainbow garage sale

Friday, March 17, Saturday March 18, next to St Brigid’s Church.

Anzac Tour Car wash

8am to 1pm on Saturday at Collie Senior High School

River restoration forum

Tuesday, March 21, 5.30pm, Collie Ridge.

Government mobile van

Wednesday, March 22, 9am to 4pm, PCYC car park. Advice on government matters.

Harmony Day

Friday, March 24 from 4pm-8pm at the Collie Italian and Sporting Club. Bocce, Italian sausage sizzle, homemade food, learn to make pasta and pizza, live music.

Church in the Park

Saturday, March 25, 4.30-7pm in Central Park, free community event with sausage sizzle, games and face painting Collie Art Prize Collie Art Gallery, open 10am to 4pm, seven days a week for duration of CAP exhibition. Entry $5.

Library activities

Sing along story time, weekly, Mondays, 9am; Junior board game fortnightly Thursdays 3.30pm; Lego Club weekly Mondays, 3.30pm.

Collie Child and Parent Centre

Playgroup Mondays at 9am (for parents and carers with children birth to five years old).

MyTime support group (for parents and carers with children with additional needs) Tuesdays from 12.30pm.

Baby Business (for parents and carers with children birth to two years) Fridays at 9am.

Coalfields Museum

Open every day, 9am to 3pm. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Signing centre

Monday 10am to 12-noon; Thursday 2pm-3.30pm; Friday 10am to 12-noon at the courthouse.

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