CDC NSW’s Woopi Connect On Demand bus service is finishing 2020 on a high according to the latest customer patronage figures.
The service, which is funded by the NSW Government, has been connecting communities around Woolgoolga, Safety Beach and Mullaway, as well as Arrawarra Headland, Arrawarra and Corindi Beach since 2019. It remained operational throughout 2020 while enduring lower customer numbers due to the impacts of COVID-19.
However, according to CDC NSW Regional Manager Tony Mills, patronage numbers for November have shown a sharp increase.
“We are thrilled to see that more people in the community are coming back to Woopi Connect,” Mr Mills said.
“While we’ve been operating the service for almost two years, it’s already found an important place in the lives of many people and we’re pleased to see this continuing.
“In addition to helping those who use it to commute to work or school or for social gatherings, the service has provided independence and a greater level of inclusiveness to customers who previously found public transport difficult to use.
“This has included several customers with visual impairment and it is helping those with other disabilities and mobility issues travel to vital medical appointments.
“Woopi Connect has also enjoyed the support of numerous businesses throughout Woolgoolga, which recognise the value of the service and its role in keeping the local economy firing.
Mr Mills saw the increase in customer numbers as a result of many factors.
“We see the return of larger numbers of customers as a result of an increase in confidence in the public transport network and the efforts we all make to keep COVID-safe, such as regular deep cleaning of our vehicles,” Mr Mills said.
“Customer number have also been helped by the re-opening of local community hubs such as our clubs, restaurants and cafes.
“We’d like to thank all of the customers and businesses in the local community who have continued to support the service and we’re looking forward to a great 2021 with you,” he said.
To learn how to use Woopi Connect and download the app, please go to https://woopiconnect.com.au/
CDC NSW is a subsidiary of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC). CDC NSW operates Woopi Connect and MetroConnect On Demand services, as well as Hillsbus and Forest Coach Lines in Sydney, as well as other regional cities outside of Sydney including Blue Mountains Transit, Hunter Valley Buses, Blanch’s Bus Company on the north coast and CDC Broken Hill.
