Blue Mountains Posts

Mayor, Mark Greenhill, said: “Council’s Community Access Bus scheme is intended to support organisations and groups based in the Blue Mountains local government area that are non-profit and provide services which directly and significantly benefit the community.”

There are two buses available – one 14 seater and one 20 seater. The 14 seater is wheelchair accessible. Capacities on the buses are reduced at present to comply with the current NSW Public Health Order; the 14 seater takes 8 passengers and the 20 seater takes 11.

Previously, Community Access Buses were booked through a centralised system that covered the Greater Western Sydney region.

“Booking of the buses will now be managed by Council directly to provide a more localised service to members of the Blue Mountains community, in particular those who are transport-disadvantaged,” Mayor Greenhill said.

Organisations or groups using the Community Access Bus scheme are encouraged to provide their own driver who will need to apply for an Authority Card to drive the bus. Organisations and groups are required to nominate a driver at the time of applying for the booking. 

When applying for an Authority Card, drivers will need to produce a current NSW class LR (Light Rigid) licence or higher, issued by New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), and complete an induction into the operation of each Community Access Bus. A Council issued Authority Card will be issued to authorised drivers and will be valid for one until the expiry date of the driver’s licence.  Drivers must be aged 25 years or over.

Community Access buses can be hired at a daily fee (12 hours) of $115. For more information please visit the website or phone (02) 4780 5000.