Greyhound Australia will expand its service to more than 100 Queensland destinations just in time for state border re-openings.
The Toowoomba company confirmed the addition of six new routes to its network after being awarded multiple five-year contracts to deliver long-distance subsidised coach services on behalf of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
From December 9 new services will include:
- Brisbane to Mount Isa
- Brisbane to Charleville
- Toowoomba to Rockhampton
- Townsville to Mount Isa
Greyhound was also successful in retaining two existing subsidised services:
- Rockhampton to Emerald
- Rockhampton to Longreach
Greyhound Australia general manager Dan Smith said it provided a significant opportunity to connect city, coast and country.
"The team at Greyhound Australia have been working hard to rebuild our business after the severe impacts that COVID has placed on us, along with the tourism and transport industries," he said.
"As a proud Queensland business, being given this opportunity to better serve the people of Queensland is privilege we do not take lightly.
"Greyhound Australia aims to provide safe, reliable, state of the art, environmentally friendly, long distance coach transport options, open tourism opportunities, and invest back into the regions."
The contracts ensure not only better servicing and connection of regional Queensland communities, but also looks forward to the opening of both domestic and international borders to help promote and drive tourism growth.
As part of the tender, Greyhound Australia has committed to purchasing 12 new Irizar/Volvo coaches to service the communities along the awarded routes.
The new fleet will ensure all passengers on Greyhound services will not only continue to travel in safety but will experience free onboard WiFi, personal USB charge points, panoramic windows, and reclining Sege leather seats essential for comfortable long distance coach travel.
