TIM CRAKATHORP

NSW MINISTER FOR THE HUNTER

The Hunter region will benefit from 506 extra weekly bus services being rolled out from today (Sunday, June 25).

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the service improvements are designed to meet demand in growing areas of the Hunter.

“These new services and route changes will help make daily life easier for the people of the Hunter, giving them the flexibility to get to work, shops, medical appointments and to stay connected with family and friends.

“As part of these 506 new services, there will be two brand new routes, route alterations that better serve growth areas and more buses running on weekends and at night,” Ms Aitchison said.

“We know good quality public transport is important for the wellbeing of people and communities and these services are a win not only for Hunter locals but visitors and tourists as well.

“These services have been established off the back of strong advocacy from hard working Hunter MPs - Sonia Hornery (Wallsend), Clayton Barr (Cessnock), Jodie Harrison (Charlestown), Kate Washington (Port Stephens), Tim Crakanthorp (Newcastle) and Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie).”

Minister for the Hunter Tim Crakanthorp said: “As our region grows, public transport connections are vital to ensure access to services and recreation.

“I’m thrilled to see these services commence, and look forward to working further with community to continue to improve our bus network.”

One of the new routes is the 259 which connects Minmi, Maryland, Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Cardiff and Glendale and provides links to Cardiff Station. 175 new trips per week will be provided by this new route.

The new route 264 connects Minmi, West Wallsend, Holmesville, Cameron Park, Edgeworth, Glendale, Cardiff, Garden Suburb and Kotara and provides links to Cardiff Station. There will be 175 new trips per week created by this new route.

Route 136, Raymond Terrace to Stockton via Medowie, will change to better connect new development in Fern Bay. There will be more frequent services throughout the week, including earlier and later services on Saturdays and Sundays and improved connections with Stockton ferry services.

Route 140, Newcastle Interchange to Raymond Terrace, will see more frequent services throughout the week including at earlier and later times on Saturdays and Sundays.

Route 141 will be altered to better connect new development to the north-east of Raymond Terrace.

Routes 262 and 263 to and from Cameron Park will be altered to reduce delays due to traffic intersections, with no reduction in the number of services.

The extra services will be operated by Hunter Valley Buses.

Hunter customers can visit transportnsw.info to plan their trips using the new services.

MEDIA:

Christine Boyd | Minister Aitchison | 0401 655 466