7.2 Shared Assets

Expanded on-demand service:

• Golden Connections Project – Phase 1 in 2003 (see section 2.2.2) – door-to-door car service to appointments and social activities trialled with some success. Separate Dial-a-ride booked bus service was discontinued. • Golden Connections Project – Phase 2 in 2006 (see sections 2.2.3) – there was a positive response and demand for the “Wiggly Bus”, a demand responsive service in the north of the

Shire with a flexible route. • Stakeholder interest in a pick-up and drop off service where people miss the bus. • On-demand services require greater up-front planning and investment but use transport services more efficiently.

Extended public transport network:

• Additional stops on public transport network to increase catchment. • Extend public transport network to Teesdale. • Connect Bannockburn to Teesdale and Inverleigh. • Likely low catchment, but few alternatives and Bannockburn contains most everyday needs (i.e. chemist, supermarket, ATM). • Increased weekend frequencies and late-night frequencies during the week to support recreational and social activities.

Car-pooling facilitation:

• Providing parking areas and online facilitation of car-pooling for regular trips may include redesignation of existing car parking and better communication facilitated by Council.

Community bus hire:

• Community buses already in use for planned excursions currently. The existing bus fleet can be made available for hire by community groups, with the appropriate organisational procedures in place. • Golden Connections Project – Phase 1 in 2003 (see section 2.2.2) – bus hire trialled with some success. Used volunteer drivers and self-drivers. • Insurance related constraints noted by Council staff and previous drivers during stakeholder engagement.

Reuse school buses during off-peak:

• School bus re-use opportunity highlighted in the Rural Network Development Plan (see section 2.1.1.1). • Golden Connections Project – Phase 1 in 2003 (see section 2.2.2) – School buses were used when demand exceeded the achievable level of service using available Council vehicles. • Legislative Council indicated this was a possibility but should not be to the detriment of school children using the service. • Council already has a range of fleet available for use.