News
20 May, 2025
One bus per day keeps the city away
SOMERSET residents have expressed their frustrations over the lack of public transport to major surrounding cities, especially from Toogoolawah and Esk to Ipswich, with only a single bus running once per day in each direction.
Translink currently operates Route 529 between Toogoolawah and Ipswich six days a week.
The only 529 bus going towards Ipswich, leaves Toogoolawah at 5:50am on weekdays, and 7:21am on Saturdays.
No other buses are available to Ipswich throughout the day.
Returning from Ipswich, the only bus back to Toogoolawah leaves at 6:47pm, arriving at the Toogoolawah History Museum at 8:19pm on weekdays, and leaving at 5:06pm on Saturdays, arriving in Toogoolawah at 6:35pm.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Jason Wendt, said Council wants to see more public transport options in Somerset because this will “encourage more visitation, investment and growth” in the region.
“Our region is conveniently located between the cities of Ipswich, Toowoomba, Moreton Bay and Brisbane, with many choosing to move to Somerset while working in neighbouring local government areas,” he said.
“As our population grows, so too must the services that connect our residents, and we expect the State Government to deliver frequent and reliable access for rural and regional communities like ours.
“Council has and will continue to advocate to the State Government for improved public transport services in our region.”
The need for increased transport services are key themes in Council’s Somerset Social Plan and Youth Engagement Strategy, with Cr Wendt adding he will continue to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure the region is not “left behind”.
Despite pleas from Council and residents, a Translink spokesperson said they do not plan to increase the number of services between Toogoolawah and Ipswich.
“The current levels of public transport use in the Somerset region do not support an increased number of services beyond those currently provided on route 529,” they said.
“Translink will continue to monitor the number of trips taken on the bus network in Esk and Toogoolawah along with feedback provided by the community to identify whether improvements could be required in the future.
“When reviewing and planning a network, Translink considers a number of factors including passenger demand, customer feedback, population trends including residential densities and new developments.”
According to the spokesperson, investment in new or improved services is dependent on several factors including funding availability and competing priorities across the state.
State Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, said she understands “there’s still a community desire for more frequent and flexible services that better meet local needs”.
Aside from Translink public buses, the Somerset community is also serviced via private businesses Pursers Coaches and Christensen’s Bus Company.
