'Night bus needs to go further'

On the buses: Councillor Chris Robbins.

A NIGHT bus is on route to fixing Coolangatta's violence issues but the Safer Communities Alliance (SCA) says it won't go far enough.

In July, Gold Coast City Council announced the trial of a late-night bus service to run every Friday and Saturday evening for 12 months.

SCA member Simon Nance said the bus would travel through Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Chinderah and terminate at Kingscliff.

“We are absolutely for the bus but we feel it does need to go all the way to Pottsville,” Mr Nance said. “Kids waiting around in Kingscliff can get into more trouble. It's just moving the problem.”

The alliance is asking people to sign a petition addressed to Gold Coast and Tweed councils to support the bus and express views on where the bus should stop.

Gold Coast City Councillor Chris Robbins expected the bus to be operating by the end of the month.

“The bus will depart from Coolangatta every hour at 12.15am, 1.15am, 2.15am. The cost will be $3.90 or $2.43 on a Go Card. Security will follow in a separate car.”

Cr Robbins said support to get the service started was strong.

“I'm aware the residents would like it to go further, but we won't be able to run it hourly,” he said.

“We think it's more important to have three departures. The problem at the moment is the Tweed taxis aren't supposed to pick them up on this side of the border and Queensland taxis can charge them the round trip.

“It might not be the solution but it will help.”

Mr Nance said taxis were another problem. “Taxis on the Tweed are very, very scarce and a cab from Kingscliff to Pottsville is very expensive.”

To sign the petition, go to www.safercommunitiesalliance.org.