Hiring the community bus

All community organisations that hire the Surf Coast Shire community buses have a shared responsibility to ensure the safe operation of the buses.

Council is a registered bus operator with Bus Safety Victoria and the rules below are in compliance with the Bus Safety Act.

Who can hire a bus?

Not for profit groups in the Surf Coast Shire, for activities of their group.

How many people can fit on the bus?

The 12-seater bus will fit up to 12 people, including the driver. The 28-seater bus will fit up to 28 people, including the driver.

What are the costs?

• 12-seater bus: $1.03/km (inc GST) plus fuel. Plus $5 cleaning surcharge.
• 28-seater bus: <400km $150, >400km $300, Youth Groups $60. Plus $5 cleaning surcharge.

Booking a community bus

1. Check availability.
2. Email Booking Officer at surfcoastsrc@surfcoast.vic.gov.au 

There are five buses available for hire (Torquay, Lorne, Anglesea, Winchelsea and Winchelsea 28 seat bus). The Wurdi Baierr Stadium, where all the bookings are done, is located at 36 Wadawurrung Way, Torquay 3228.

• If it's the first time your group is hiring a bus, complete the Community Bus Use, Access & Annual Registration Form(PDF, 333KB). Note this document includes the conditions of hire. This form needs to be sent with the Booking Form.

• Complete the Community Bus Booking Form(PDF, 361KB) and send back to the Surf Coast Sport & Recreation Centre by post, fax, email or in person.
• Complete the Driver's Bus Return Checklist when you return the bus

Picking up the keys

Keys can be picked up from the following locations during business hours. If your planned trip will begin prior to business hours, ring the Booking Officer at Wurdi Baierr Stadium on to 5264 9202 to check when keys will be available. Collect the keys at the agreed time from the locations listed below:

Picking up the bus

Collect the bus at the agreed time from the location listed in the table above. Don’t forget to fill in the driver’s checklist before you leave (this can be found on the booking form).

Returning the bus

Return the bus to where you got it from at the agreed time – don’t forget to complete the driver’s checklist when you return the bus.  Failure to do so will incur a $50 addition to cost of hire.

Driver's bus return checklist

Returning the keys

Return the keys and the driver's checklist at the agreed time once you have returned the bus.

Paying the hire fee

An invoice will be sent to your community group within 2 weeks. Payment is appreciated within 4 weeks.