Central Coast Council commenced its free Gosford CBD shuttle bus service on December 16, aimed at relieving parking congestion in the city centre.
Launched by Mayor Lisa Matthews on December 17, the shuttle service will ferry motorists from parking facilities at Adcock Park and in Racecourse Rd to major points within the city centre.
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Cr Matthews said expanding options for community members travelling to Gosford CBD for work and services, was a major focus for Council. “Gosford is a major and growing hub for our region and we know that parking there can be challenging for members of our community, ” she said.
“I’d encourage everyone to check out our new and free shuttle service. “Park at Adcock Park or Racecourse Rd and catch the ‘easy run’ to the Gosford CBD location that works best for you. ” Council’s Director, Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff, said the shuttle would run every ten minutes during peak times.
“This is a 100 percent free service that will provide easier access to the CBD area without the stress of finding suitable car parking, ” he said. “The locations of the ‘easy run’ buses can be tracked online and passengers can choose to get off at Gosford High School, several stops along Mann Street, or the Australian Tax Office (ATO) building. ”
Buses will run on weekdays from 6am to 8pm, approximately every 10 minutes during peak periods (6-10am and 3-8pm), and around every 20 minutes during the middle of the day. Gosford CBD stops covered by the ‘easy run’ free Gosford CBD shuttle service are: Gosford High School: opposite railway station, Mann St; William Street Mall, Mann St; Cnr Donnison St and Mann St; and, ATO Building, Georgiana Tce.
The Gosford Erina Business Chamber has applauded the introduction of the service. “This will free up parking for those who need to access the CBD to do business, shopping or use any of the city’s offerings and services, ” Chamber President Rod Dever said. “Now is the right time to act and address parking issues with a proactive plan. “Council could not afford to sit on their hands and do nothing and be reactive, which has been the case in the past.
“This six-month trial of park and ride facilities will prepare residents, workers and commuters who require all day parking for future changes to parking in the city. ” While the Chamber welcomes the move as a short-term strategy, it says more is still needed in planning for a longerterm solution. “When Kibbleplex parking is removed to allow for development, we will see more pressure to the city’s parking accessibility and as other developments come online, we will see further limits to parking owing to construction and development, ” Dever said.
“Council has listened to the business and wider community and acted to put a plan in place that will alleviate what was seen as a potential parking disaster for our region’s capital and we applaud their efforts to act early. ”
Source: Media release, Dec 13 Gosford Erina Business Chamber Media release, Dec 13 Central Coast Council