Friday, 30 October 2009 5:13 PM Media Releases

The City of Greater Geelong is trialing a Central Geelong NightBus to help young people get home safely and inexpensively after a night out in Central Geelong.
 
From 31 October, the NightBus will operate every Saturday night (early Sunday mornings) and on special event nights from 1.30am to 4am for a five-month trial period.
 
For just $5 people can catch the NightBus from Moorabool Street (between Malop and Lt Malop Street) near the Safe Taxi Rank to over 20 suburbs around Geelong, Bellarine and the Surfcoast. 
 
Benders Buslines will provide the buses and drivers for the service. Hume Protection Group security guards will coordinate the Central Geelong NightBus bus stop and will travel on board all NightBus services.
 
The NightBus will provide 10 trips on five pre-determined routes with the capacity to transport up 400 passengers per night of operation.
 
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell encouraged nightclub goers to try the NightBus this Saturday.
 
“It’s a safe and cheap way to get home.  $5 will get you as far as Ocean Grove, Lara or Torquay so it’s a really great initiative.”
 
“The Central Geelong NightBus is part of our strategy to improve safety in Geelong.”
 
“It will complement the existing taxi service and help reduce the number of people waiting for transport during peak times or wandering the streets following a night out.  It also aims to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol.”  
 
“It’s only a trial at this stage, but if lots of people are using the service we’ll be very keen to continue it,” Cr Mitchell said.
 
Tickets can be purchased as you board the Central Geelong NightBus or beforehand at a range of locations around Geelong, including City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centres. 
 
Tickets are $5 per person, and multi-ride tickets are available for $25.  CCTV is on board all NightBus services and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
 
For a timetable and route map visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au or phone 5272 5272.
 
The Central Geelong NightBus is an initiative of the City of Greater Geelong with support from the Federal Government, TAC, Central Geelong Marketing, the Geelong Advertiser and KROCK.