- New Cairns Airport Bus route confirmed, connecting the airport and the heart of the CBD by public transport for the first time.
- Thanks to the Crisafulli Government's Permanent 50 Cent Fares commuters and visitors will be able to travel between the airport and CBD for just 50 cents.
- The new Cairns Airport Bus is part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Far North Queensland with a new bus route connecting Cairns Airport to the heart of the city confirmed following community consultation.
The route will travel along Lake Street and serve key destinations including Cairns Airport, Cairns Hospital, Cairns Private Hospital, Cairns City bus station and Cairns Lagoon, providing convenient connections to accommodation, attractions and the wider public transport network.
Route 100 will operate from 4am to 10:30pm, seven days a week (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day), with services every 30 minutes throughout the day. The first service will depart Cairns Lagoon at 4am, with the final service departing the airport at 10pm.
Throughout their decade of decline, the former State Labor Government put a new airport bus service in the too hard basket, ignoring Cairns' growing population and tourism industry, leaving locals and visitors without a reliable public transport link between the airport and the CBD.
The brand-new bus service, which will commence by the end of the year, is the first time Cairns Airport and the heart of the city will be connected public transport, and – thanks to the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares– each trip will be just 50 cents.
The new Cairns Airport bus service is part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and ensure Queensland's growing regions have the transport connections they need.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the introduction of this service responded to calls from the community and industry for public transport access to Cairns Airport.
"The fact there has not already been a dedicated airport bus service connecting Cairns Airport with the CBD is yet another example of the former Labor Government failing to keep pace with the needs of growing regional Queensland communities," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Cairns is one of Australia's premier tourism destinations, welcoming millions of visitors every year, yet travellers and airport workers have been left without a direct, affordable public transport connection.
"That's why the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering this new airport bus service, giving locals and visitors a reliable, convenient and affordable way to travel.
"This is another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering the transport infrastructure and services Queenslanders need after a decade of Labor neglect."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the new service was a major win for Cairns residents, local businesses and the tourism industry.
"Cairns Airport is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland, and this new service will make it easier than ever for people to get where they need to go," Ms James said.
"Importantly, Route 100 will connect key destinations including our hospitals, the city centre and Cairns Lagoon, making it a valuable service for residents as well as visitors.
"Whether you're a visitor arriving in Cairns, a local resident heading to the airport, or an airport worker travelling to and from work, this service will provide a simple and affordable transport option.
"The Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering practical improvements that make life easier for Queenslanders, and this is another great outcome for our community.
"I'm proud to support this service and look forward to seeing locals and visitors benefiting from better connectivity across Cairns."
