The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle Bus will continue operating until at least 30 June 2011.

Melbourne City Councillors voted to extend the shuttle bus contract which was due to expire on 31 August 2010. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Councillors recognised the value of the tourist shuttle but wanted to ensure they were providing the most cost effective service delivery model.
“We want Melbourne to continue to have a shuttle service that is mutually beneficial for tourists and local tourist attractions, but we also want to make sure we use the most efficient model for providing this service,”
the Lord Mayor said.

“We will be reviewing all options and looking at possible cost savings and revenue streams in order to make an informed decision on the future of the service in early 2011”.

Councillors requested that management investigate possible cost savings and potential revenue streams so that a decision whether to continue the tourist service beyond 30 June 2011 may be considered by Council early in 2011.

“One potential revenue stream being investigated could allow tourism businesses to advertise inside and outside the shuttle bus and at bus stops,” the Lord Mayor said.

A further report will be brought back to Councillors in August 2010.