A subsidised cab service for locals would be trialled in Byron under a strategy being considered by Byron Shire Council to help address the Shire’s transport challenges.
The strategy, which would require significant state government funding, was discussed at a recent Council-run public transport workshop.
The purpose of the workshop was to commence discussions among locals in relation to current and future public transport strategies, and to reach out to the state planning team.
Among the options discussed was a Council-run cab-style service that would be provided for residents over the age of 60, and/or for those with a disability.
The workshop heard that, for such a trial to succeed, it would need to be reasonably priced.
Council staff noted that the Gold Coast Council charges $2 per trip, or $4 for a return journey, and that local taxi company Byron Cabs had expressed an interest in being part of the trial.
It was noted that, as was the case with all the options considered in the workshop, the trial would be difficult to execute without significant support from the NSW government.
‘As this type of service would require a considerable amount of funding to subsidise the fares, staff are awaiting state advice to determine if there is an appropriate funding stream for this type of service,’ staff said.
The workshop also explored a park and ride option for Byron Bay, in which residents would drive to the Cavanbah Centre and then either get a shuttle bus or ride a hire bike into the town.
This was seen as a way of reducing traffic congestion and parking demand in the Bay.
‘Byron Bay would be a great case study for a trial scenario, considering current congestion issues at Ewingsdale Road and the parking demand within the town and along the beachfront,’ staff said.
Staff note that the Cavanbah Centre would be an ideal location for such a facility.
There was also talk of an electric scooter trial, but this was not supported by staff because of the ‘actual commuter value and associated safety risks’.
It appears that the long-running campaign to bring train services back to the tracks was not a key agenda item at the workshop.
However, it was noted that there was a need for additional workshops in the future to discuss other transport options.
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