New Transperth bus services to northern suburbs beaches

4/11/93

Two new Transperth bus services will begin at the weekend offering direct public transport to beaches in Perth's northern suburbs and Sorrento Quay.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the services would run on weekends and public holidays, improving access to tourist attractions at Scarborough and Sorrento and beaches in between.

The services will be trialled over summer.

They are being sponsored jointly by Radio 92.9 PMFM and Schweppes Australia.

The first service, the PMFM Sunset Coaster, will operate Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It will connect with trains at Glendalough interchange and travel via Scarborough Beach Road, West Coast Highway to Sorrento Quay.

"Passengers can board and leave at any stop along the route for a non-transferable fare of $l.00," Mr Charlton said.

"There will be 13 daily trips - seven from Glendalough and six return - and the special service will enable beach-goers to carry surfboards."

The second service, known as the Underwater World-Sorrento Quay Express, will operate on Sundays and public holidays, connecting with trains at the Warwick interchange and travelling via Beach Road, Marmion and Hepburn Avenues to Sorrento Quay.

It will run from 9.30 am to 5 pm, with departures from Warwick on the half hour and from Sorrento on the hour to coincide with major events stages at Sorrento Quay.

"Both services are designed to improve patronage on our public transport system by providing specific tourist-oriented bus services over summer," the Minister said.

"The sponsors of the services are to be congratulated along with Transperth staff at the Trigg depot who have donated their time to help promote the services.

"It is this type of innovation I am keen to see Transperth develop to further increase patronage on our public transport system."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333