Living Large in Wollongong: My $50 Transportation Secret!
How I Kept My Travel Costs Super Low
Guess what? After two amazing months in Wollongong, my total transportation expenses barely hit $50! How did I manage that?
The secret? I rarely tapped my Opal card!
Instead, I hopped on the free buses! 🎉
You may already know, but Wollongong offers some fantastic free bus routes. Let me introduce you to the Gong Shuttle (routes 55A and 55C) 🚌, and the University of Wollongong's North Gong Shuttle (routes 9 and 9N).
The Amazing Gong Shuttle (55A & 55C)
The 55A and 55C buses are completely free for everyone! No Opal card needed when you ride these routes.
Route Highlights: Route 55A travels in a counter-clockwise loop, while 55C runs clockwise.
These shuttles connect key destinations, including the Wollongong city center (CBD), Wollongong train station, Wollongong Hospital, TAFE Wollongong, the University of Wollongong (UOW), and the beaches along the coast. It is a handy transport option.
Operating Hours:
- Weekdays: Every 10 minutes from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, then every 20 minutes from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Weekends and Public Holidays: Every 20 minutes from 9:40 AM to 5:20 PM.
The North Gong Shuttle (9 & 9N)
The 9 and 9N buses are also free for all passengers. These routes primarily serve students, staff, and visitors of the University of Wollongong.
Route Highlights: Route 9 travels from the UOW campus to North Wollongong train station, stopping at bus stops along Ring Road. Route 9N travels directly from the campus to the train station.
The North Gong Shuttle is perfect for students living near North Wollongong station, such as those in I-House, or for commuting to UOW by train.
Operating Hours: Buses run every 10-20 minutes. (Note: Schedules and frequency may vary depending on the academic semester.)
Checking Public Transport Schedules
You can easily check the schedules for all public transport options using apps and websites like Google Maps, Trip Planner, and Opal Travel.
My Wollongong Transport Budget: Success!
So, there you have it! After two months of living and studying in Wollongong, I spent less than $50 on transportation thanks to these free services. It's a great way to get around!
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