Group launches “Use It or Lose It” bus campaign

RESIDENTS on the Northern Bellarine are being urged to “Use it or Lose it” as part of a new campaign to encourage greater use of public transport.

The campaign has been organised by the Northern Bellarine Transport Action Group (NBTAG) and is being rolled out across the townships of Portarlington, Indented Head and St Leonards during the next two months.

Residents are being asked to register their support for the campaign, which will see them challenging themselves to replace four of their usual car trips with bus trips during the months of May and June.

“Higher numbers of people using the bus will send a message to public transport operators that we need to retain and improve this service,” Jenny Wills from NBTAG said.

“A strong public transport system connects our residents to services and each other – across the Bellarine, into Geelong and throughout the state,” Ms Wills said.

“This is especially important for the Northern Bellarine’s high number of older residents, who will look to other transport options as they begin to drive less.”

NBTAG is proudly supported by Bellarine Community Health and its Healthy Communities Team who encourage residents to remain connected with services and maintain their independence.

The campaign has been funded by the City of Greater Geelong’s Healthy & Connected Communities grant program.

By signing up for the Car-Free Challenge, residents will also go in the draw to win one of eight $100 myki cards to help them to keep using public transport long after the campaign is complete.

Members of the community are invited to attend the “Use It or Lose It” campaign launch to sign up for the challenge and find out more about the bus service.

The launch is at Newcombe Street, Portarlington – at the bus stop outside the Senior Citizens Club – on Tuesday April 10 between 11am and noon.

Anyone who is interested but not able to attend the launch can also send an email to [email protected].