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New bus interchange at uni
27 June 2009
The opening of the new major bus interchange at the University by Minister Nolan this week is a major investment in making public transport a more attractive option to and from the University.
The planned enhancement of frequencies and destinations will serve a wider population on the Coast, than the university alone, and be a valuable dimension of services to the eventual township centre on Stringybark Road.
At the University itself, the use of public transport has doubled in recent times, from a low base. We would like to increase user numbers significantly and will continue to investigate concessional passes to make the public transport option even more appealing.
It is vital that we continue to develop public transport, cycling and walking options or we will eventually see the gradual destruction of the natural environment for private car parking.
Our master plan envisages 15,000 people on the campus within 25 years. We cannot allow all those people to travel individually in cars. We also have to keep an eye on when we will have to provide multi-storey parking. That will be costly and car users will need to be charged.
In the meantime, we continue to emphasise strategies that avoid environmental damage and encourage the use of public transport.
The interchange is an important addition to the campus.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of the Sunshine Coast.