The City of Greater Geelong says it will continue to look for ways to get people into the CBD, after the long-running Park and Ride shuttle takes its last passengers on Friday.After 18 years ferrying motorists between Upper Hearne Parade, Eastern Park and central Geelong, the council is pulling the plug on the heavily-subsidised service thanks to dwindling passenger numbers.
The poor poor patronage means every $ ticket costs ratepayers more than $33 and Mayor Trent Sullivan says that is not sustainable.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that the Park and Ride service is under-utilised,” Cr Sullivan said.
“It’s something that’s been going on for many years now and unfortunately we’ve seen a slow decline, so unfortunately (the service) has been cut out of the proposed budget.”
But he said the was seeking alternative ways of bringing residents and visitors into the city centre.
“We’re always looking at new ways of how we can get people into the CBD, be it public transport, active riding or scooting, or all of the above.”
The Park and Ride service began operating in 2005, picking up passengers from outer-lying car parks every ten minutes and dropping them off at three city locations.
The council said commuters still have access to two similar commercial bus routes, the 32 and 60 services.
It encouraged drivers looking for alternative parking options to visit the CoGG website.
Image: City of Greater Geelong