Late-night buses stay on after successful trial
Getting home safely after a night out on the Sunshine Coast will remain easier and more affordable, with the successful late-night bus trial extended until 2 August 2027.
Funded by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with The Department of Transport and Main Roads, the extension will continue the enhanced late-night services on route 616, helping connect Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buderim, Sippy Downs, UniSC and Palmview on Friday and Saturday nights.
The trial launched in July 2025 and introduced additional late-night trips, improved connections between key entertainment precincts and a stop closer to Ocean Street, making it easier for locals, students, hospitality workers and visitors to get around after dark.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the extension reflected the community's embrace of more accessible late-night public transport options.
"Since the trial began, we've seen growing awareness and strong support for a service that helps people get home safely while supporting our local nightlife, hospitality businesses and visitor economy,” Mayor Natoli said.
"It's also a positive example of how we can work proactively with the Queensland Government to influence future transport outcomes and position our region for essential routes and services that will help shape a more connected Sunshine Coast.
“As a local government, initiatives like this give us an important opportunity to look at our region-wide approach to the public transport network, ensuring the Sunshine Coast has a strong voice in securing the connections needed as our region grows."
Sunshine Coast Council Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the extension of the late night bus service would continue to help young people, workers and visitors get home safely.
"Whether you're catching up with friends in Ocean Street, heading between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, finishing a late shift, or travelling home to Palmview or Sippy Downs, these services provide a convenient and affordable option,” Cr Bunnag said.
"The extension gives even more people the opportunity to leave the car at home and take advantage of reliable late-night public transport for just 50 cents a trip.
“We hope the State Government build on the success of initiatives like this to deliver the public transport improvements our community is asking for.”
The extended service will continue to provide:
- Late-night services on route 616 every Friday and Saturday night for another 12 months.
- Connections between Maroochydore and Mooloolaba nightlife areas.
- Access for residents in Palmview, Sippy Downs, Buderim and surrounding communities.
- Convenient transport for UniSC students, hospitality workers and visitors.
- Affordable travel with permanent 50 cent public transport fares.
Council encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting the service by making it part of their next night out.
Passengers can plan their journey using the Translink app, visit the Translink website or call 13 12 30 for timetable information.