General News
14 November, 2026
Popular bus service grows
BABINDA’S innovative micro-public transport service has expanded its schedule from two to three days, adding a second weekly trip to Cairns following overwhelming community demand for the state government-funded trial.
Operated by the Babinda Taskforce, the free service utilises a 10-seater, wheelchair-accessible Toyota Commuter bus to connect local residents with essential services, medical care and retail hubs across the region.
Under the updated weekly schedule, the service now runs from Babinda to Innisfail on Tuesdays, with two return trips to Cairns on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Babinda Taskforce communications and engagement officer Alex Knott said the expansion reflected just how vital the transport link had quickly become for the rural township.
“The response from the community has been so positive. And for some passengers, the service is completely life changing,” Ms Knott told The Observer.
“Some clients use the Babinda passenger service to visit family members they previously had no way of reaching.”
Launched earlier this year as part of a three-year trial running until June 2029, the initiative was designed with built-in flexibility allowing operators to deliver extra services in response to community demand.
Situated 60km from the Cairns CBD and 30km from Innisfail, Babinda has long faced regional transport challenges, leaving some residents unable to access specialist medical appointments, TAFE courses, or basic retail outlets.
The taskforce confirmed that accessibility remains the core priority of the trial, ensuring no financial or bureaucratic barriers exist for locals wanting to catch a ride.
“The service is completely free for all users – it does not matter whether you are going to medical appointments or Cairns Central for shopping and fun, or if you have a car and a license or not,” Ms Knott said.
“There is no eligibility criteria, you just need to make sure you book in advance.”
While the added Thursday route provides much-needed capacity, organisers stress that seats fill up rapidly and passenger bookings are essential.
“We encourage anyone interested to give us a call or drop in to the Babinda Taskforce during our opening hours because, despite running three days a week, the passenger service is reservation-only,” Ms Knott said.
“Our two wonderful drivers Ngamata and Katie are driving a 10-seater Toyota Commuter, so we need to ensure users book in advance so that we can accommodate everyone and we don’t leave anyone in the lurch.”
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