THE wheels on the Coolangatta NightLink bus will be going round and round when the service begins on November 13.

Gold Coast City Councillor Chris Robbins was the driving force behind the project and yesterday encouraged people to “get out and get on the bus”.

“I'm very excited because it's a service that's much needed in our community to improve safety for the people who live here and visitors,” Cr Robbins said.

“Patrons who can't get home sometimes stay and continue to drink or remain in local parks, and this can be a contributor to antisocial behaviour and public nuisance.”

Funded by Gold Coast City Council, in partnership with TransLink and Surfside Buslines, the N978 (Coolangatta-Kingscliff) service will run hourly between 12.15am and 3.15am every Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as public holidays.

There will be three collection points in Coolangatta and set-down available in safe locations en route to Kingscliff, including Tweed Heads South and Banora Point.

Tweed Mayor Kevin Skinner said the Safer Communities Alliance group had last month approached Tweed Shire Council for support to see the bus travel to Pottsville.

“We're trying to work in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council to see how we can pick up from Kingscliff and continue down the road,” Cr Skinner said yesterday.

“Both councils are working to try and get these kids from Coolangatta as close as possible to their homes so they get home safely.”

Cr Skinner said, depending on numbers, they were considering funding a maxi-taxi to meet the bus at Kingscliff.

“We also want the bus to pick up from Twin Towns Services Club and the bus stop just north of the Ivory Tavern.”

Cr Robbins said they wanted people to think of Coolangatta as a safe and welcoming place.

“We want people to be able to safely come and go; that's good for our residents, good for our tourists and good for our economy.”

Cr Robbins said the trial service would run until the end of the financial year and each trip would cost just $2.43.

“It will have to show itself to be effective at filling a need,” she said.

“We're hoping people will get on board and show us it is needed.”

The NightLink bus, which will have security services, has strong backing from Coolangatta police, businesses and community groups.