Sapphire Coast News

With festive season celebrations in full swing, there are plenty of great events across the shire, but the big question is how do you get to them?

Look no further than the Bega Valley Shire Youth Council’s Summer Bus program that will hit the roads as part of this year’s New Year celebrations.

For the second year the NYE Summer Bus will be offering a stop at Ford Park in Merimbula for people attending the MACCAT New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

And this year there are extended routes for NYE, with a timetable for the northern part of the shire including a Bermagui to Tathra route.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s community development officer Emma Benton said that this year the Summer Bus would be operating on New Year’s Eve with any one way trip across the shire costing $5.

“For the third year running we have distributed free transport vouchers that can be used on buses or taxis from December 14, 2009, to February 28, 2010, in the Bega Valley Shire (excluding New year’s Eve),” she said.

“It is a real credit to the Youth Council that this service has grown and I would encourage people across the shire to use both the NYE Summer Bus service as well as the transport vouchers.

“It provides a safe transport option at what can be a very dangerous time on the roads.”

Ms Benton said Deane’s Buslines, Tathra Bus Service and Bega Valley Coaches had come on board to provide nighttime services to Bega, Tathra, Merimbula, Eden, Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui and all the towns in between.

Towamba Access Bus will operate a run from Towamba through to Merimbula.

Youth Councillor Emily Criticos said the extended services on New Year’s Eve, as well as the new transport voucher, would continue to provide great flexibility for users.

“It is not only a chance to enjoy celebrations across the shire, it is also cheaper and a safe alternative to driving,” Ms Criticos said.

“With services operating continuously from early evening until after midnight on New Year’s Eve, you can go out for a meal, enjoy some clubbing or attend one of the NYE event’s the region has to offer.

“The service has received major support from Bega Valley Shire Council, Bega Valley CDSE, NSW RTA, Excell Printing and Transit Graphics.

“With this support we have been able to keep fares to a minimum with $5 per one way trip even if you have to catch two busses to get to your destination.”

NYE timetables and Bega Valley Shire transport vouchers are available from local surf, skate and music stores and any other outlets with a Summer Bus poster.

For fare, route, timetable and general information, visit www.summerbus.info