Timetable and stop information - https://www.skybus.com.au/southbank-docklands-express/Australasian Bus & Coach magazine wrote: SkyBus adds Southbank service
Date: 01.11.2017
SkyBus is launching a new direct service connecting passengers in Southbank and Docklands to Melbourne Airport
SkyBus adds Southbank service
A new SkyBus service is starting in Melbourne this month
Starting on November 5, the new service will have a daily operation from 7am to 7pm with buses every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.
The Southbank Docklands Airport Express will have four pick up points within the Southbank and Docklands precincts including one at Harbour Esplanade, two stops on City Road and one on Whiteman Street.
SkyBus co-CEO and Director Michael Sewards says the new service will not only provide better connectivity for the wider Southbank and Docklands communities but provides a vital direct airport connection with Melbourne’s expanding convention and conference facilities and hinted that there is more to come.
"We are committed to develop and invest in further dedicated airport express services with world class customer experience, high frequency, safety, affordability and convenience," he says.
"To achieve this, we will continue working closely with relevant stakeholders and partners to provide further expanded dedicated airport services to benefit the wider community.
The Southbank Docklands Airport Express is SkyBus’ sixth airport dedicated express service launched in Victoria, and the third in the last year.
It joins other SkyBus airport express services from Southern Cross Station, St Kilda, Frankston, Avalon-Geelong and Avalon-City, as well as the Auckland SkyBus service in New Zealand.
Interstate and international passengers can now visit Crown Casino, Melbourne Convention Centre, Eureka Tower, Etihad Stadium or the Melbourne Star directly from Melbourne Airport with the new service.
The original launch didn't go quite to plan...
Kind RegardsThe Age wrote:
SkyBus brought back down to earth after launch called off at the last minute
Timna Jacks
October 5 2017
An express bus service from Docklands to Tullamarine was ready for takeoff on Wednesday morning but was cancelled at the last minute in an embarrassing blunder.
A week ago, the PR agency for SkyBus invited media to the launch of a new airport express service from Southbank and Docklands at Eureka Skydeck.
Drinks and canapes were on offer at the event scheduled for 10am on Wednesday. There would be speeches delivered by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and SkyBus chief executives Adam Begg and Michael Sewards.
Representatives from Docklands Chamber of Commerce, Yarra River Business Association and Southbank Residents Association would also attend, the press release promised.
The extravagant do would launch a service providing "an affordable and efficient option for passengers looking to get the airport directly", the press invite claimed, but further details about the service were kept under wraps until the event.
But the big reveal was not to be.
SkyBus cancelled the event minutes before it was set to start, after Public Transport Victoria notified them that the bus service had not been granted all the necessary sign-offs.
"This morning PTV wrote to SkyBus to inform us that they had not completed their review of the proposed services," said Adam Begg and Michael Sewards, co-chief executives and directors of SkyBus.
"We are confident that the review will be completed satisfactorily."
A spokesman for Public Transport Victoria said the organisation "received a business proposal for a new SkyBus service which is currently under consideration".
"No formal decision has yet been made and PTV continues to work collaboratively with SkyBus on the proposal."
SkyBus offers an express service from Tullamarine Airport to the city and St Kilda, and a shuttle service to Frankston and the Peninsula.
There are express services between Avalon Airport, the city and Geelong.
Craig