Sapphire Coast Buslines is hosting a community celebration to launch its enhanced Flexibus On
Demand service today (Friday 7 October).
The Flexibus On Demand service connects the community with major transport hubs in Pambula,
Merimbula, Tura Beach, Bega and Eden.
Sapphire Coast Buslines Managing Director Jamie Klemm said since the pilot launched in 2018, more
than 53,000 customers have travelled on it.
“We look forward to seeing the community benefit from the roll out of improvements to our popular Flexibus On Demand service,” Ms Klemm said.
On the 30th of June 2022, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway announced the Flexibus On Demand pilot services would be made permanent from 1 July 2022 providing communities with more transport options.
The Minister said it was a major win for commuters who will have improved connections to transport hubs and town centres.
“We’re going to see three new fully-accessible buses with an increased seating capacity, we’re going to see the new booking app, and it’s going to make a big difference to customers who use these services,” Minister Farraway said.
“The buses have been ordered, they’re on the way, they’re awaiting some final check offs before they’re deployed.”
“Investing in new-accessible buses in the right investment for the Bega Shire.”
The Bega and Merimbula On Demand services will now run from 9:30am to 2:30pm Monday to Saturday and the Eden service will now operate from 9:30am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday, including school holidays.
Ms Klemm said the upgrade, the new app and the expansion of services will make it easier for customers in the Bega Valley to book, pay and track their travel in real-time.
“One of the new buses will replace a school bus currently serving the Eden community meaning
customers located in areas with narrow streets and cul-de-sacs like retirement villages can utilise the
service,”Ms Klemm said.
“This is about giving the best public transport service to enable people to travel from close to home,
to the shops and appointments in a flexible and convenient way.”
Ms Klemm said the upgraded services will commence on Monday 10 October.
“During the pilot, many regular customers told us how providing flexible accessible transport
increased their independence and mobility.
“As well as the new buses and booking app, we are excited to be expanding the Eden service to year round from 10 October 2022,” she said.
Image: Sapphire Coast Buslines
