Community buses

Council decided at its March 2025 Council meeting to transition from its current bus hire model.

To help with the transition, Council will offer bus hire subsidies to eligible community groups and organisations from September 2025 until June 2027.

• Read more about the decision
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Bus Review(PDF, 142KB)

Eligible community groups and organisations can continue to book Council’s community buses until 31 August 2025. 

The booking process until 31 August 2025

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 - up to 4 hours: $50 (inc GST) + fuel
• 12-seater bus - 24 hours: $75 (inc GST) + fuel
• 28-seater bus - Youth Activities - 24 hours: $75 (inc GST) + fuel
• 28-seater bus - 24 hours: $155 (inc GST) + fuel

The bus is provided to the hirer with a full tank of petrol and must be returned with a full tank of petrol and in a clean conditions. Penalties apply for late return, fuel not filled up and cleaning fees if required ($250 each).

Booking a community bus

If it's the first time your group is hiring a bus, before booking, please complete the Community Bus Use, Access and Registration Form. This document includes the conditions of hire and is required before a booking can be made. 

To check availability:

1. Anglesea Community Bus 
2. Lorne Community Bus
3. Torquay Community Bus
4. Winchelsea Community Bus
5. Winchelsea Bendigo Bank Community Bus (28 Seater)

Picking up the keys

Keys can be picked up from the following locations during business hours. Collect the keys at the agreed time from the locations listed below:

Picking up the bus

Collect the bus at 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. 

Returning the keys

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