Canberra-Cooma Bus Trial starts 27/2/12

[Buzz Killington]

Deanes Transit Group will commence a three-month trial commuter bus service, The Cooma Connector, between Canberra and Cooma on Monday 27 February, but the service faces some challenges before consideration will be given into making it a permanent fixture.

DTG General Manager Jeremy Wee said he was confident that the service can be sustainable by offering incentives and marketing the service effectively.

It is also hoped that the local council and business groups can lobby the NSW Government to subsidise the service, whilst in-bus advertising for local businesses will also be looked to in order to reduce costs.

Whilst DTG expects that the service will lose money in its first year, should the trial be extended, they will require an upward trend in passenger numbers in order to secure its future.

The bus will be equipped with wireless internet, whilst other possible perks include a basic breakfast, lucky prizes and other promotional activities.

The service will cost between $15 to $18 one-way, or $20-$22 for a return trip, and will operate between Cooma, Bunyan, Bredbo, Colinton, Williamsdale, Royalla, Michelago, Tuggeranong, Woden, Civic, Canberra Airport and Russell. Commuters can also have their bicycle stored in the cargo hold for an additional $3 each way.

You can find out more about the service on the Deanes Website.

[Buzz Killington]

The trial has now been extended, and the timetable amended to provide a quicker trip from Cooma to the City and Parliamentary Zone.

Deanes need 20-25 passengers a day to make the service viable - it has peaked at 24 but reading between the lines it looks like they're somewhere between 15-20 pax a day at the moment.

http://www.coomaexpress.com.au/news/local/news/general/canberra-connector-extends-trial/2564411.aspx

[Buzz Killington]

Goneski.

http://actbus.net/?p=1905