12/8/04
Visitors to Bunbury can use a new tourist tram to explore some of the city’s attractions.
The 23-seater motorised tram will run continuously every day starting from October, between locations including the Dolphin Centre, Boulters Heights, Big Swamp, Marlston Quay, Rocky Point, Bunbury Regional Art Galleries and Victoria Street.
South-West Minister Bob Kucera today handed over the keys of the $31,000 tram, which is the result of a partnership between the State Government and the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
“This service is an ideal way for tourists to see all the attractions Bunbury has to offer and will allow people to stop off at 11 points around the city and reboard whenever they please for just one daily fee,” Mr Kucera said.
“It will be a great service for Bunbury to help tourists gain better access to sites and businesses around the city.
“It will provide more linkages between attractions in the town and help improve the tourist experience.”
The tram will run seven days a week, between 9am and 5pm from October to May, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the winter period from June to September.
Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries President David Kerr said the Chamber would hire drivers for the tram and meet the cost of the tram’s operation, expected to be about $50,000 in the first year.
“We have been looking at an initiative like this for a couple of years now - we investigated double decker buses and constructing a purpose-built vehicle,” Mr Kerr said.
“However, an opportunity arose to buy this vehicle from the Fremantle Tram Company.
“It will make tourism more visible in Bunbury and provide a service to tourists that shows them what the city has to offer.”
Tickets to the tram will be $8 for adults, $2.50 for children and $16 for a family. Concession tickets will be $6 per person. The service will be run as a not-for-profit service with fares being used to cover costs.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
