E-scooters will be rolling out across an additional 16 square kilometres of ride zones in Townsville after Council today approved an application from Neuron to expand it service area.
The service will now cover 23.7 square kilometres, with e-scooters able to be ridden in Rowes Bay, Belgian Gardens, West End, Currajong, Pimlico, Hyde Park, Hermit Park, Mysterton, South Townsville and Railway Estate.
The expansion will include an increase in the number of scooters per zone, bumping up the number of Neuron scooters from 250 to 450.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the increase in e-scooter operation was a vote of confidence for the city.
“Townsville is going from strength to strength and having a company like Neuron choosing to expand its investment in the city just goes to show that,” Cr Hill said.
“Neuron has already significantly invested into the Townsville economy, providing a welcome injection into our city while improving connectivity throughout key areas in Townsville like The Strand and the stadium precinct.
“The expansion of Neuron’s offerings will not only allow for more travel but will also help up to 15 locals secure jobs with the company.”
Neuron Mobility’s Head of ANZ Richard Hannah said: “After reaching the one million kilometres on our e-scooters, we are delighted to be extending Townsville’s existing riding area. E-scooters have become very popular in the city and we look forward to being able to reach more people in the suburbs, allowing them to travel even further on our e-scooters.
“They are a great way for locals as well as tourists to travel in a safe, convenient and fun way and the expansion will have a positive impact for the city. We thank the Townsville City Council for their continued trust and support.”
Cr Hill said the safe operation of the e-scooters would be vital for the success of the expansion.
“E-scooters are a valuable form of transport, but it’s essential that individuals are taking the right safety precautions when using them,” she said.
“Each e-scooter comes with a helmet which must be worn, and safety rules have to be followed. These include wearing a helmet, following vehicle laws, maintaining a safe distance between riders and pedestrians, and not riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
“These rules are in place to ensure the safety of riders as well as the people around them. While there are some speed restrictions on the e-scooters, it is ultimately up to the rider to make sure they are sticking to the rules and staying as safe as possible.”
