Lack of interest in new Berrigan Shire bus service
A lack of interest will see the Berrigan Shire Community Connect Service Bus Service drawn back, as of tomorrow.
Based on use during a three-month trial, Berrigan Shire has decided to cancel the Thursday service indefinitely.
The Friday service will continue as an extended trial, however will not run this Friday.
Berrigan Shire Council Youth Development Committee member Jo Ruffin said despite a promising start, it was disappointing to see interest in the service drop off.
She said the bus service was designed to connect communities, and provide an alternate transport option for residents of all ages.
The Thursday service provided residents of Berrigan with a bus connecting them to Cobram’s Country Link and V/Line Services while residents of Barooga, Tocumwal and Finley were offered additional transport options between Southern Riverina towns and Cobram.
‘‘Passenger numbers were initially good with up to 20 passengers taking advantage of the service,’’ Ms Ruffin said.
‘‘Moreover, contrary to all expectations, those who used the bus did not travel to Cobram to connect with regional services or to shop, but used the bus to catch up with friends and family living in other towns.
‘‘As one person put it, it was ‘just to get out of the house’.
‘‘Disappointingly the Thursday service has received limited support in terms of passenger numbers or feedback on how it could be improved.’’
Ms Ruffin said that the decision to ‘‘cease the Thursday Service and concentrate on the Youth Service’’ shows there is insufficient demand for a community bus during school terms and weekdays.
Despite the Thursday service being abandoned, Ms Ruffin said Berrigan Shire would continue with the Friday Youth Service Pilot.
Funded by the NSW Dept of Transport and Berrigan Shire Council, it will have a short break this week and return as normal on Friday, December 28.
It will run as per the Friday timetable released at the start of the pilot project. The bus timetable and a youth information card has been distributed to local youth by Berrigan Shire.
The card lists local and free call numbers of youth support services, which can be used long after the pilot program is complete.
Magelinkon survives 'slug-fest' to win title
Shepparton's Eric Magelinkon has taken out the World Karate and Kickboxing Association K-1 regional title after outlasting Ross Sbisa last weekend.
Mulwala marching on to finals
The winning form continued for the Mulwala seniors against Deniliquin at Lonsdale Reserve on Saturday.
Art show attracts 1000
The seventh annual Tatura Rotary Club Art Show, held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, was a resounding success, attracting its largest ever attendance of around 1000 people.
Moama mum finds homebirth a breeze
Giving birth at home was a risk-free option for Moama mum Samantha Dawson, she says.
Irlen Syndrome sufferer overcomes reading difficulties
After suffering with reading difficulties for many years, former Rochester resident Nelson Jones has benefited from being diagnosed and treated for Irlen Syndrome.
Tourism booklet for Ky
Kyabram’s first tourism booklet is to be launched in late September.
You did him proud
Something truly inspirational took place on Saturday as former teammates honoured the memory of Eamonn O'Connor.
OAM for dedicated Tocumwal resident
Valda Cole likes to keep herself busy and enjoys giving back to the community. It’s a commitment she dived head first into almost 20 years ago.
Yarnbombers add splash of colour to High St oak tree
A group of yarnbombers dressed an oak in Heathcote’s High St in a vibrant, woolly patchwork coat last week.
Cobram Tigers thrash Rumbalara by 88 points
Cobram produced another positive and impressive performance on Saturday with an 88-point victory over an undermanned Rumbalara
Heath Blacks 'true' message
Former AFL player Heath Black sent an inspiring message to Deniliquin youths last week.
More water on Goulburn Valley crops
Goulburn Broken region dairy farmers are irrigating more crops and pasture than in 2009-10, an ABARES survey has found.
More Parks Victoria jobs slashed
Parks Victoria is shedding 60 jobs across the state.
Discover unbelievable local deals from local businesses every week in the Goulburn and Murray Valley area with Leapon.com.au!
Search properties for sale or rent across North Central Victoria and Southern NSW. Visit your local website for local homes....
Search for published and unpublished photos from McPherson Media Group newspapers and magazines. All our photos are available to purchase.
Thankyou for your comment.
Your comment will appear once it has been approved by MMG staff.