The Shores Temporary Bus Service

A free bus service will be provided for The Shores community during the temporary closure of Ridgevale Drive bridge.

Ridgevale Drive bridge will close from late August 2026 for up 12-months* to construct the new Ridgevale Drive bridge that will span over the new Coomera Connector as part of Coomera Connector Stage 1 Central.

The temporary bus service will operate while the pedestrian detour is in place connecting residents with key local destinations.

*Wet weather, contractor availability, and site conditions may change this schedule.

Bus timetable and route

The temporary bus service, clearly identified with ‘The Shores’ displayed on the message board, will:

• Operate as a continuous loop.
• Start and finish at the temporary bus stop located within Schneider Family Park, The Shores.
• Connect residents with seven Helensvale destination stops.
• Complete a full circuit in approximately 45 minutes, subject to traffic and operating conditions.

Below are the temporary bus stop locations and route map:

• The Shores (temporary stop within Schneider Family Park)
• Helensvale Station (Stop F)
• Helensvale Park shopping complex (Stops ID300867 and ID300864 on Ridgevale Drive near Mildura Drive)
• Helensvale State School (Lindfield Road)
• Helensvale State High School (existing bus bays off Helensvale Road)

Timetable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information

Why is the temporary bus service being provided?

To connect residents of The Shores during the closure of Ridgevale Drive bridge; offering an alternative access to key destinations.

How long will the temporary bus service operate?

The service is expected to operate while the pedestrian access changes are in place. Patronage of the service will be reviewed, and the schedule may be adjusted based on usage. Residents will be advised of any changes to service arrangements.

Will the bus service remain after the bridge reopens?

No. The temporary bus service will finish when pedestrian access across Ridgevale Drive bridge is restored.

Is there a cost to use the temporary bus service?

The service is free. No ticket or go card is required.

Service Operations

How do I know which bus to catch? Is there a bus number?

The bus will be clearly identified with ‘The Shores’ displayed on the bus message board.

How was the bus route developed?

The route and timetable were developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including Helensvale State High School, Helensvale State School, businesses and informed by feedback received by the community.

Where are the bus stops located?

The service will operate as a continuous loop, starting and finishing at the temporary bus stop located within The Shores. Five stops are included in the circuit:

• The Shores – located within Schneider Family Park, adjacent to the temporary vehicle access, providing a central pick-up and drop-off location for residents.
• Helensvale Station (Stop F) – provides connection to train and bus services.
• Helensvale Park shopping complex
  Ridgevale Drive near Mildura Drive (Stops ID300867 and ID300864) – connects residents to local businesses and services.
• Helensvale State School – located at the existing school bus stop on Lindfield Road, monitored by school staff during afternoon pick-up periods.
• Helensvale State High School – located at the existing school bus bays off Helensvale Road, providing direct access to the school campus and connecting bus services.

How will the bus service support Helensvale Park businesses? 

The bus route and timetable include two stops for Helensvale Park shopping complex, allowing passengers to make a quick shopping trip and return on the same service.

A Keep it Local promotional campaign is being undertaken to encourage nearby residents to continue supporting these local businesses.

Timetable and Service Updates

What happens if the bus is delayed?

While every effort will be made to operate the service in accordance with the published timetable, delays may occur due to traffic conditions, weather, road incidents or other unforeseen circumstances. Where possible, significant disruptions will be communicated to residents.

How will I be notified if there are changes to the timetable?

Significant changes to the timetable or service arrangements will be communicated through commuter alert e-notifications and SMS. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to receive these updates by emailing coomeraconnector@fhhmjv.com.au.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the timetable or service?

For general enquiries about the timetable, route or service operations, contact the project team on:

• Email: coomeraconnector@fhhmjv.com.au
• Call: 1800 568 978 (select option 2)

Passenger Safety and Support

How do I report inappropriate behaviour on the bus?

Concerns regarding driver conduct, and passenger behaviour or safety should be reported to Kinetic customer service on (07) 5552 2700.

Who do I contact if I leave personal belongings on the bus?

For lost property, contact Kinetic customer service on (07) 5552 2700 or fill out their online inquiry form located at www.wearekinetic.com/au/gold-coast.

What rules apply to passengers accessing this service?

Passengers using the service agree to follow the Conditions of Travel. This service operates in accordance with applicable Queensland passenger transport legislation, including the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994.

Accessibility and Passenger Eligibility

Will the temporary bus be accessible for passengers with mobility needs?

The bus service is accessible and will have low floor entry, a ramp, and allocated space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Can children access the service?

Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether a child is responsible, confident and capable of travelling on the temporary bus. See the Conditions of Travel for more information.

Can I bring my bike, scooter, or pram on the bus?

Prams are permitted on this service. Bikes and e-scooters, are not permitted. However, you can travel with a folding bike that can be carried in a bag no bigger than 90cm x 70cm x 36cm, folded down (where possible) and stored in the luggage racks.

Are pets allowed on the bus?

Pets are not allowed; however approved assistance animals can travel on this service, provided the animal is:

• accredited with the Guide Hearing and Assistance Dog Act (2009) or
• identified with a Translink Assistance Animal Pass or an interstate assistance animal accreditation.

Conditions of Travel

The Shores Temporary Bus Service is a free service provided during the Ridgevale Drive bridge closure. Operated by Kinetic, the service will help residents stay connected to key local destinations, including Helensvale Station, Helensvale Park shopping complex, Helensvale State School and Helensvale State High School.

These Conditions of Travel apply to everyone using the service. By boarding, passengers agree to follow these conditions and all lawful and reasonable directions given by the driver. These conditions support safe, respectful and accessible travel and operate alongside applicable laws and operator requirements, including the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994.

Service information

• Cost: The service is free. No ticket or ‘go card’ are required.
• Route: The service operates as a continuous loop from the temporary bus stop at The Shores, Helensvale, near Schneider Family Park, stopping at Helensvale station, Ridgevale Drive near Mildura Drive, Helensvale State School and Helensvale State High School before returning to The Shores.
• Timetable: Passengers should check the current published timetable and arrive at least five minutes before departure.
• Temporary service: The service is planned to operate for the duration of the pedestrian access changes. Patronage will be reviewed and arrangements may be adjusted. Residents will be advised of changes.

The published timetable is a guide. Services may be delayed, changed or cancelled because of traffic, weather, road incidents, vehicle availability or other unforeseen circumstances. Boarding is subject to available capacity.

Respectful behaviour

• Treat the driver and other passengers with courtesy and respect.
• Do not use threatening, abusive, discriminatory, harassing or offensive language or behaviour.
• Allow passengers to leave the bus before boarding.
• Offer priority seating to people with disability or reduced mobility, older people, pregnant passengers and people travelling with young children.
• Use earphones and keep the volume of personal devices low enough that it does not disturb others.

Safe travel

• Follow all lawful and reasonable directions given by the driver.
• Do not distract or obstruct the driver while the bus is moving, except to report an urgent safety concern.
• Remain seated where a seat is available.
• Keep doorways and walkways clear of bags and other items. Store bags safely under a seat, on your lap or in an available luggage area.
• Do not interfere with the vehicle, controls, doors, emergency exits or safety equipment.
• Do not throw objects inside or from the bus, damage property, spit, or place feet or belongings on seats.

Clean and comfortable travel

• Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the bus or near public transport infrastructure such as bus stops or terminals.
• Food and drink must not be consumed.
• Take all rubbish and belongings with you when leaving the bus.
• Do not play instruments or use sound equipment at a level likely to disturb other passengers.

Accessibility, prams and assistance animals

• The service includes allocated space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Mobility devices must be suitable for the vehicle and meet applicable size, weight and manoeuvrability requirements. More information is available on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website: Travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
• Priority areas must be made available to passengers who need them. Boarding remains subject to safe available space.
• Fold prams and strollers away during peak travel times or when advised by the bus driver. Please ensure the child is secured in the pram or stroller harness and hold on to the pram or put the brake on during travel.
• Appropriately trained and accredited guide, hearing and assistance animals and animals with a Translink Assistance Animal Pass or an interstate assistance animal accreditation are permitted. Other animals are not permitted.
• Bicycles and personal mobility devices, including e-scooters are not permitted on this temporary bus service.

Children and school travel

Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether a child is responsible, confident and equipped to travel to and from school on the temporary bus service. Before the child travels, parents and guardians should ensure the child understands the route, stops, timetable, expected behaviour and what to do if the service is delayed, missed or the child gets off at the wrong stop. Parents and guardians should familiarise themselves with the temporary bus schedule and child’s school roster.

Responsibilities of parents and guardians:

• Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their child/ren to and from authorised bus stops and their safety at the stop while waiting for the bus.
• When meeting a child at a bus stop, wait on the same side of the road as the bus wherever practicable to prevent accidents.
• It is understood that bus travel is provided and accepted on these conditions.

Children and students should:

• Arrive at the stop at least five minutes before departure and wait away from the road.
• Wait until the bus has stopped before approaching, and board and leave in an orderly way.
• Follow the driver’s instructions, remain seated where possible and keep belongings safely stored.
• Tell the driver promptly if they feel unsafe, are unsure of their stop or believe they are on the wrong service.
• After leaving the bus, wait until it has moved away and only cross the road when it is safe. Not to play on the road at the bus stop or to try and get on the bus before it has come to a complete stop.
• Get on and off the bus quietly and in an orderly manner.
• If seated, remain in your seat whilst the bus is moving.
• Place bags and other belongings in allocated storage areas, under your seat or on your lap.
• Battery operated scooters are not permitted on any buses in Queensland.
• Listen to the bus driver’s instructions. They are responsible for driving the bus safely and also have the authority to report any vandalism or misbehaviour.
• Not distract drivers with screaming, shouting or unruly behaviour.
• Not use offensive language or call out to others onboard or to passing traffic or people.
• Not to eat, drink (other than sipping from water bottle) or smoke/vape on the school bus.
• Not throw anything from a bus window or at a bus window whether inside or outside of the bus.
• No dangerous or flammable goods are allowed on the bus i.e. aerosol cans, lighters, fireworks.
• When getting off the bus only cross the road when the bus has left and it is safe to do so.

Child safety and wellbeing have been embedded into everyday bus operations, training and decision-making, to prevent harm, respond to concerns, and support children through procedures and practices. A child who needs help should speak to the driver.

For more information about child safety, or to raise a concern or provide feedback visit the Kinetic website: wearekinetic.com/child-safety-wellbeing.

Contact, feedback and lost property

For complaints, accessibility enquiries or lost property, contact Kinetic on:

• Phone: 07 5552 2700, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
• Email: info@wearekinetic.com
• Website: wearekinetic.com/au/gold-coast

For general enquiries and feedback about the service, timetable or route contact Fulton Hogan Hull McIlwain Joint Venture (FHHMJV) on:

• Phone: 1800 568 978 (select option 2)
• Email: coomeraconnector@fhhmjv.com.au

Register for bus updates

Significant changes to the timetable or service arrangements will be provided through commuter alert e-notifications and SMS. To subscribe to email and SMS updates about the temporary bus service email your details to the project team by clicking here.