Please note: this is an old article
It was published in June 2013, so the information may be out-of-date.
Street Rider Night Bus – Keeping our Community and CBD safe. Have you heard about the Street Rider Night Bus which transported around 1700 people safely home last year after a night out in Shepparton, for just a gold coin donation? This valuable service is at risk of closing – what can you do?
The Street Rider Night Bus is a late night community run bus service providing transport out of the Shepparton Central Business District (CBD) on Sunday mornings from 1am to 5am. This service keeps our CBD safer, reduces the opportunity for individuals to become victims of crime or to be involved in anti-social behaviour or drink-driving - and that's good for everyone's business.
The Street Rider Night Bus was established in 2008 and is a community run initiative that is operated through the generous support of volunteers and local businesses.
The service has four designated bus stops within the Shepparton CBD and for a gold coin donation will take patrons from the late night precinct to their doors in Shepparton, Kialla and Mooroopna. The service provides an inexpensive late night transport option and operates with a security guard on board for the safety of passengers and the volunteers.
The service is jointly coordinated by the Greater Shepparton City Council and Victoria Police but cannot be maintained without the ongoing support of local businesses and the community. Your support is needed to enable this community safety service to continue operating.
How can you help? There are a variety of options, and your business will be acknowledged on promotional materials so you can show the community you care. Assistance is required to:
- Fund the provision of the security guard on the bus each week to ensure the safety of passengers and the volunteer drivers
- Fuel sponsorship
- Promotion sponsorship
- Fund Street Rider volunteer shirts and caps for the volunteer drivers
- Donations - one off or ongoing donations are accepted to cover any gaps in providing the above as well as other operational expenses including replacement of bus magnets, passenger counters, cleaning supplies, etc.
You are encouraged to contact either:
Belinda Collins, Greater Shepparton City Council on 5832 9700 or belinda.collins@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Sergeant Thelma Bull, Shepparton Police Station on 5820 5857 or thelma.bull@police.vic.gov.au
to discuss how you might be able to support the ongoing operation of this valuable community safety initiative.