The Public Transport Users Association Geelong Branch welcomes the additional bus services that were provided for New Year’s Eve 2024–25. These services, which included three extra trips on Route 30, four on Route 31, and three each on Routes 42, 53, 55, and 60, represent a positive step toward making public transport a viable option for those traveling to ring in the new year. We strongly support the implementation of such services and advocate for similar initiatives for future events in Geelong.
However, we are disappointed by the lack of promotion of these additional services by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). While the updated timetable entries were available on the Public Transport Victoria website, they were difficult to locate and not prominently featured. McHarry’s, the local bus operator, posted information on their website and inside their buses, but their reach was limited to existing passengers and did not effectively inform the broader community.
For future events, we urge the DTP to adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach to promoting special event services. This should include advertising on social media and in local newspapers, posting special event collateral at key bus stops, and collaborating with event organisers to ensure public transport information is included in event promotions.
Looking ahead, we encourage the continuation of New Year’s Eve bus services in Geelong and hope to see an expansion to include the northern and western suburbs covered by the CDC network next year.
The Public Transport Users Association (Geelong Branch) remains committed to advocating for improved public transport services and stands ready to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve these goals.