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Our community bus service is provided by a dedicated team of volunteers who can assist you on and off the bus and transport you to local shops, community centres, and libraries. The community bus is for anyone in the community; however, an assessment process will be completed before a resident's first trip to ensure safety.
Community Bus Locations
Enjoy the ease of being picked up from your home with other residents in your community, allowing you to socialise and form friendships.
Our community buses are available to take you to your local shopping precinct. The bus allows you time to shop and run errands at the bank, post office, or library. Our buses travel to Brighton, Glenelg, and Marion every week.
- Buses to Glenelg run in the morning on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- Buses to Brighton run in the morning on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Thursday afternoons fortnightly
- Buses to Marion run in the morning on alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Anyone living in Holdfast Bay is welcome to catch the buses. If you have a My Aged Care referral for transport, this transport is subsidised.
General bus fare - $3.80 one way/ Subsidised bus fare - $2.55 one way
Bus Hire
When our buses are not used, they are available for hire to local non-profit community groups. Hire is subject to bus and council-accredited volunteer driver availability.
Please read the terms and conditions before completing the form below
Definitions
Booking: A request to hire a community bus.
Community Bus: Any community bus vehicle owned by City of Holdfast Bay.
Community Transport Coordinator: Person managing community buses or their delegate.
Confirmed Charter: A booking confirmed in writing.
Service: Duration of charter from first passenger pick-up to last drop-off.
Driver: The volunteer driver assigned by the coordinator.
Hirer: The person/organisation making the booking.
1. Terms and Acceptance
1.1 Hirers must accept the Terms before booking confirmation.
1.2 These Terms represent the conditions at the time of booking.
1.3 Any variation does not negate the agreement.
2. General Conditions
2.1 Hirers must use the bus lawfully and orderly.
2.2 Council reserves the right to halt the hire for safety reasons.
2.3 Children must be supervised at all times.
2.4 Council is not liable for personal items or damages.
2.5 Hirers must comply with all applicable laws, including WHS, Food, and Liquor Acts.
3. Booking Eligibility
3.1 Not-for-profit community groups based in Holdfast Bay with collection points within the council area.
3.2 The Hirer must be over 18 years old.
4. Bus Availability
4.1 Hire is subject to vehicle and volunteer driver availability.
4.2 Council bookings take priority.
4.3 Trips should not exceed 200km without prior arrangement.
5. Hire Fees
5.1 Fees:
$2.20/km for up to 11-seater
$2.48/km for 12+ seater
5.2 Administration fee of $10 + GST per booking, non-refundable if cancelled within 24 hours.
5.3 For trips over 4 hours, hiring groups are expected to cover the driver’s meals and refreshments to ensure volunteers don't incur personal costs.
6. Hirer Responsibilities
6.1 The Hirer is responsible for passengers' behaviour and any damage caused.
6.2 Passengers must behave properly.
6.3 The Driver may refuse service if a passenger poses a safety risk.
6.4 No smoking, alcohol, or illegal drugs allowed on the bus.
6.5 Council is not responsible for any lost property.
7. Driver Responsibilities
7.1 The Driver has the right to refuse or eject passengers if deemed unsafe.
7.2 Routes may change based on traffic or other hazards.
7.3 Pick-up and drop-off locations must be safe and legal.
8. Bus Safety Equipment
8.1 Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
8.2 Wheelchair access is only available in 12+ seater buses.
9. Luggage and Storage
9.1 Only personal luggage is allowed. Aisles must remain clear.
9.2 The driver decides if luggage is safe to carry.
9.3 Hirers are responsible for storing belongings safely. The Council is not liable for loss or damage.
10. Bookings
10.1 Bookings must be made online via the council’s website.
10.2 Hirers are responsible for ensuring booking details are accurate.
10.3 A booking is only confirmed once written approval is received.
10.4 Passenger numbers and needs must match the booking.
11. Changes to Bookings
11.1 Changes must be communicated at least 3 working days before the service date.
11.2 Amendments are subject to availability.
11.3 Council is not responsible for delays outside its control, including breakdowns.
12. Cancellations
12.1 Cancellations must be in writing.
12.2 Cancellations within 24 hours incur the $10 booking fee.
12.3 The Council reserves the right to cancel a booking with notice if a driver is unavailable.
13. Invoicing
13.1 Invoices are sent the month following the hire.
13.2 Charges are based on odometer readings.
13.3 Non-payment may result in further bookings being denied.
14. Complaints
14.1 Complaints must be made in writing within 14 days of the service.
14.2 Remedies are at the discretion of the Council.
14.3 Complaints about vehicle condition require photographic evidence.
15. Damage and Cleaning
15.1 The bus must be returned in its original condition.
15.2 Hirers are liable for cleaning fees or damages caused during hire.
16. Bonds
16.1 A refundable bond of $250 may be charged for high-risk hires (e.g., celebrations)
17. Animals
17.1 Only assistance dogs are allowed unless prior permission is granted in writing.
Bus Hire form
Access & Safety
All our community buses are fitted with seat belts for safety, and air conditioning/heating for your comfort. We have space for walkers, trolleys, and shopping bags (limited to two bags per passenger). A lifter is also fitted to some buses to accommodate residents using a wheelchair.
Personal Transport service
Volunteers offer personal transport services to residents with a current My Aged Care Transport Referral. This service is aimed at those who do not drive or catch public transport and can get them to and from medical appointments, social activities, shopping precincts, etc.
The personal transport service is available from 8.30am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with a minimum of four working days' notice for all bookings.
Accessing this service depends on an assessment to ensure suitability and safety and is limited by the availability of volunteers.
Personal Transport service costs:
- Within the City of Holdfast Bay - $5 one-way
- Outside of the City of Holdfast Bay but within 10km from home - $10 one-way
- Outside of Holdfast Bay but within 20km from home - $15 one-way
Please note: This is not an emergency service. For all emergencies, please call 000.