Return of the Beach Runner

Waverley Council’s Beach Runner will soon weave its way again between Bondi and Coogee.

The bright blue and yellow art deco themed bus was a hit last year with people headed for Waverley’s beaches.

Now in its second year, the service will connect Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee each Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays until April 2009.

Waverley lifeguard Dean Gladstone lives in Coogee and is looking forward to the service starting.

‘It’s convenient, easy and cheap,’ he said. ‘Before you couldn’t catch a bus directly to Bondi, Bronte or Tamarama from Coogee.  Now, you don’t need to go via Bondi Junction and you don’t have the hassle of trying to find a park. Less time on the road means more time in the surf. There’s even room for your surfboard!’

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said the council decided to charter the bus service from the State Transit Authority (STA) again because of its popularity.

‘Last year our service averaged 450 passengers per day despite an unusually wet summer. This year, Sydney is expecting a dry, hot summer and the Beach Runner should be even more in demand,’ Cr Betts said. ‘We hope to show that this service is truly viable so the STA will make it permanent all year round. We absolutely believe in public transport and we’re willing to put our money where our mouth is. Please leave your cars at home and use our bus when going to our beaches.’

The service runs about every half hour from Bondi and Coogee between 10am and 8pm.

For details and timetable visit www.waverley.nsw.gov.au or call 9369 8000.