Shire calls on residents to get behind community bus after trial struggles

“The Shire of Murray’s nine month Community Bus Service Trial entered into its fifth month of operation this February,” Shire president Maree Reid said.

“Usage has picked up recently, but numbers still remain lower than expected.”

Since October, the new bus service operated by the Shire provides residents living in communities such as Coolup, Dwellingup and North Dandalup, which are currently not serviced by the Transperth network, with the opportunity to access Pinjarra and Mandurah by bus.

The Shire operates one return service to Pinjarra from Coolup, Dwellingup, North Dandalup and North Pinjarra on Wednesdays and Fridays with links to the Transperth lines operating in Pinjarra and Mandurah.

On Saturdays, a return service to the Mandurah Forum and the Mandurah train station is available from each Murray locality.

A budget of $60,000 was allocated towards the nine-month trial by the Shire following requests from the community for increased transport options in the region.

Ms Reid said council officers had been monitoring the effectiveness of the service and the pickup and drop-off locations, recording community feedback ahead of a project review scheduled for March.

“The Shire encourages residents to make the most of this vital service during the remaining few months and send any feedback to mailbag@murray.wa.gov.au,” she said.

For timetables, fare information and pickup and drop-off locations visit murray.wa.gov.au.