Parramatta Shuttle Bus Named

11 Jun 2008

The Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council, Cr Paul Barber today revealed the name and design of the much anticipated free Parramatta city centre shuttle bus – The Loop.

“This is a very exciting time for a booming city. From the ferry to the city to the train, Council’s commitment to the people and visitors of Parramatta means that we finally get the transport we deserve,” the Lord Mayor said.

The Loop is a free transport solution that will connect tourists, residents and commuters to the commercial, retail and recreational landmarks of the city. Designed with an attractive blue, red and orange motif – reflecting the Council colours of our city - The Loop will bring a distinctive civic identity to the Parramatta city centre.
From the Transport Interchange to the Wharf, The Loop will run every 10 minutes along O’Connell Street, Church Street, Phillip Street, Charles Street, Macquarie Street and back to Darcy Street.

The cost of purchasing the three buses and the street furniture at each stop is a $1.5 million commitment and Council has budgeted for an on-going running cost of $550,000 per year which is funded through parking meters income and sponsor support.

“The Loop is the keystone of Parramatta City Council’s integrated transport plan. I’m very proud that our Council, without any support from outside Parramatta, stepped up to address the increasing transport needs of Sydney’s second city,” the Lord Mayor said.

The Loop will commence service at the end of August with two buses servicing the transport loop in the city centre in a clockwise direction from early morning to early evening. A third bus will be available in the event of servicing or repair requirements, and for special events.

“As the economic capital of Western Sydney, as the gateway to Australia’s fastest growing region, Parramatta is in need of a quick, reliable and low-pollution transport system around the city. This need is even more urgent when we consider that Parramatta will be home to 30,000 new jobs over the next 25 years,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Loop provides an accessible, affordable and flexible service for the Parramatta City centre and will soon become another distinct feature of our ever-expanding city,” the Lord Mayor said.

 Loop Route Map 324Kb

 Loop Design 290Kb

Facts and figures of The Loop

Operating hours:

Monday-Friday:

• First bus 7.00 am from Darcy Street bus stop
• Last bus 6.30 pm from Darcy Street bus stop

Saturday:

• First bus: 8:00 am from Darcy Street bus stop
• Last bus: 4:00 pm from Darcy Street bus stop

Headway

• 10 minutes

Loop time/Distance

• 20 minutes assumed and allowed.
• 4.1 kilometres assumed and allowed.

Fare collection

No fares will be collected.

SPECIAL EVENT USAGE

Special events are non-scheduled tasks requiring any or all of the Council bus fleet to be made available for trips, promotional purposes, displays, and other events.

Approx. Operation per year per bus :

• 37,000kms per annum weekdays per bus;
• 42,000kms per annum weekdays and Saturday per bus;

Total Hours of Operation:

Approx. Operation per year per bus

• Approx. 3,000 hours per annum weekdays per bus
• Approx 3,400 hours per annum weekdays and Saturday per bus

12 Stops – each with a seat with two sites having Shelters/seats:

• O’Connell Street
• Church Street
• Phillip Street
• Charles Street
• Macquarie Street
• Darcy Street
• Argyle Street
• Marsden Street

Bus Details:

• Custom Coaches – CB60 Low Floor Citybus;
• 2 door – 12 meters long;
• 41 seated, approximately 6 standees;
• Volvo Chassis - Diesel engine – low fuel and emissions;
• Bus Body – Custom Coaches;