JENNY AITCHISON

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE -  DUBBO BUS SERVICES TO BE BOOSTED BY 87% IN MAJOR OVERHAUL

Vision pack here

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison has announced a major boost for public transport in Dubbo with 112 extra weekly bus services to roll out from next month.

Bus passengers will benefit from an 87 per cent increase in timetabled hours and a new service between West Dubbo and Orana Mall to run every 30 minutes on weekdays, connecting Delroy Park Shopping Centre, Dubbo CBD, Dubbo Station, ALDI, Dubbo Base Hospital and TAFE.

There will also be a new connection between Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Orana Mall via the Dubbo CBD, Western Plains Cultural Centre and Dubbo Showground. Regular bus routes will also provide new links to Bunnings, Dubbo Sports World and the North Dubbo industrial area.

Growing areas will receive regular services for the first time, including Keswick, Southlakes, Grangewood and Delroy Park.

The timetable also includes more timely, direct routes to Dubbo Base Hospital. Additionally, the Dubbo urban area will now have access to bus services on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Longer distance bus trips from Narromine, Geurie and Wellington will now stop at ALDI and Dubbo Station. Services to the town of Wongarbon will significantly increase to four trips per weekday in both directions – better connecting Wongarbon with Dubbo and Wellington.

The uplift in local bus services was developed after an extensive community consultation process received more than 300 contributions about topics such as ideal travel times and route preferences.

Delivered by Transport for NSW in conjunction with Dubbo Buslines, Ogden’s Coaches and Dubbo Regional Council, the new bus network is part of the NSW Government’s 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program.

The new bus network begins operating from 16 October and it comes as a new trial of contactless payments get underway enabling passengers on 11 buses operated by Dubbo Buslines to pay for their trips by tapping a card reader with their credit or debit card that has a chip on it or linked devices such as smart phones and watches.

To encourage everyone to get on board the new bus network, Transport for NSW and Dubbo Buslines is holding a series of Bus Travel Experience Days, which start today. Upcoming sessions can be booked at transportnsw.info/dubbo-bus.

Timetables of Dubbo's new bus network will be available from 2 October at transportnsw.info/routes/bus or through the bus operator websites at www.buslinesgroup.com.au/dubbo/ and ogdenscoaches.com.au

Dubbo community members and visitors can plan their trips on the city's bus network using Trip Planner. More information including a map of the new network can be found at transportnsw.info/dubbo-bus

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“I’m delighted to announce 112 extra weekly timetabled services. These improvements are part of our commitment to make public transport in the regions more accessible.

“We know that public transport is a social determinant of health, education, opportunity and jobs. These improvements to the Dubbo bus network will make a real difference and help more people get where they need to go at times that are more convenient for them.

“As we roll out this new and improved network from 16 October, I invite everyone to try the new bus services for themselves.

“Everyone is welcome on public transport so I’m especially pleased to see a series of Bus Travel Experience Days being held in Dubbo, starting today.”

Quotes attributable to Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Matthew Dickerson:

“I’m excited that Dubbo is part of a trial between Transport for NSW and Dubbo Buslines of contactless payment options. This will greatly enhance the experience for the travelling public.

“I thank Transport for NSW for working with Dubbo Regional Council, Dubbo Buslines and Ogden’s Coaches to deliver a better bus network for Dubbo that will improve social connection and reduce congestion.

“Now it couldn’t be easier to catch a bus, whether that be to head for a dip at the aquatic centre, further studies at TAFE, down to the shops for a social catch up or to Dubbo Station to connect with rail and coach services to a range of destinations across NSW.

"Buses not only serve as an affordable and sustainable alternative to driving, they also provide a fast and hassle-free way to get around town.”

Quotes attributable to Buslines Group Head of Service Delivery Chris Moule:

“We are proud to be helping deliver a new bus network for Dubbo that is smarter, easier to use and that better meets people’s needs to get to medical appointments, work, shops and social events.

“All of our public route buses are wheelchair accessible, they lower to the ground, and there's a ramp that makes it easy for anyone with a wheelchair, or other mobility challenge to use the bus.

“I encourage anyone who may not have travelled on a bus since their school days to give them a go.

“Buses are clean, comfortable, quiet and air conditioned and the customer experience just got even better, with cashless payments now an option.

“We invite everyone to get on board and enjoy the ride.”

Quotes attributable to General Manager Ogdens Coaches Jeff Neill:

“It is fantastic to be delivering improved public transport services in the Dubbo region, particularly to communities outside of the Dubbo urban area including Narromine, Geurie, Wellington and Wongarbon.

“These services will make sure that people in those regional communities can easily get into Dubbo for shopping, medical appointments and connect at Dubbo Station with trains and coaches to a range of destinations across NSW.”

MEDIA: Ryan Young | Minister Aitchison | 0477 608 886