Local public transport users now have the chance to help shape the future of the Ripley Valley 531 bus service.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said feedback on the region’s public transport could be submitted online to assist TransLink in planning service improvements later this year and into the future.

“We’re eager to know the views of current and potential public transport users in the area on Route 531,” Ms Howard said.

“When we last ran a community consultation process in 2020, we received some really great insightful feedback from residents on their reasons for using the route and what would encourage greater use of the service.

“We’re hoping to build on this information this time around to ensure we continue to tailor our public transport offering to best meet community expectations.

“Importantly, this will help us create not only a plan for the immediate future, but also a long-term vision for the service.

“We’d encourage as many people as possible to head online and share their thoughts.”

Linking local bus and rail services, Route 531 was launched in 2019 and provides connections between Springfield Central station and Orion Shopping Centre to Yamanto, via the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA).

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the route was expanded in October last year to include Saturday services operating every two hours in each direction, complementing regular weekday services which operate between approximately 5.30am and 10pm.

Remarkably, the service continues to experience patronage growth despite the impacts of COVID-19, hitting an all-time high in November with almost 2,500 trips for the month.

“Customers have shown overwhelming support for the service since it began and we are looking forward to delivering more improvements in the months and years ahead,” Ms Mullen said.

“We’re asking for feedback online until 1 April 2022, so jump on to the TransLink website to let us know your thoughts.”

The eight stops on Route 531 are located at:

• Orion Springfield Central
• Springfield Central station
• Providence Parade
• Harmony Crescent, Providence
• Ripley Town Centre
• Parkview Parade, Ecco Ripley
• Ripley Road, Satterley Ripley Valley
• Yamanto Shopping Centre

The online survey is available here or for more information, visit translink.com.au, download the MyTransLink app or call 13 12 30.