Chairwoman of the Bendigo Safe Community Forum Sue Clarke said the service had been successful in providing transport for nightclub patrons from Bendigo’s Entertainment Precinct out of the CBD and as close to home as possible, at times when local taxis were at a premium.

“It’s good for young people to have a safe way to get home when it is difficult to access a taxi,” she said.

“We are very pleased that it’s able to continue.

“People can dial the number for the bus and the bus will come right to the venue door. It’ll make a big difference.”

Under the revised model, Victoria Police and the City of Greater Bendigo will provide a 22-seat bus on a rotation system and local licensees will provide funding to employ a security guard on the service.

Ms Clarke said the new service relied on patrons phoning the service via a mobile phone number to arrange pick-up direct from the venue doors.

“We hope to further reduce the level of migration around the nightclub precinct by providing a door-to-door service for nightclub patrons,” she said.

The Nightrider Bus first started in Bendigo in July 2007.

The revised service will operate on Sundays from 1am to 5am.

The phone number for the service, which will be promoted at local venues, is 0457 784 831.