The introduction of fares on the Gong Shuttle isn’t the only big public transport change the government has planned for January.
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On January 29, the government will be charging full Opal fares on the Gong Shuttle.
Ahead of that change – on January 1 – the NSW government will trial an on demand public transport service.
The six-month trial will take place in the Thirroul, Figtree and Shellharbour areas on weekdays between 5.30am to 9pm.
People will be able to book a ride from their door to train stations or bus interchanges in those suburbs.
Premier Illawarra will partner with the government in the trial, which will feature a fleet of three Toyota Hiace vehicles that can seat 13 passengers.
Similar trials are already in operation in other areas of the state and they are largely used by commuters travelling between their home and a train station or key destinations like hospitals or the CBD.
A standard one-way fare will start at $3.10 for trips of less than three kilometres and $4.10 for trips greater than three kilometres, with a 50 per cent discount for concessions.
Fares will be processed by credit card only.
Rides can be booked in advance, or on the spot with drivers required to be at the pick-up spot within five minutes of accepting a fare.
Also, drivers are able to pick up other passengers as long as the stops are on the way to the destination.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said he was pleased to have the “innovative” service trialled in Wollongong.
“What excites me about this concept is that it provides the customer with a new opportunity to literally get picked up from their door and taken to where they want to go,” Mr Ward said.
“It’s using smaller transport vehicles, which are obviously good for the environment and it’s an innovative way to use public transport resources and public funds.”
While the service will be competing with taxis and Uber, Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said neither body chose to tender for the Wollongong trial.
“The intent is to trial this and see if it works,” Mr Ward said.
“If it does work then we’ll roll it out in other areas as well. I’ve also asked for a trial in the Shoalhaven.”