People living in rural and remote communities in the state’s west and south will stay connected to regional and city centres with popular bus services to be extended for another 12 months. 

Despite three challenging years with transport services interrupted by bushfires, COVID-19 and heavy floods, these Isolated Communities trial services have become a lifeline for many.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the weekly day-return buses have enabled commuters from isolated country towns to travel to regional centres for essential shopping, medical appointments and recreation.

“Whether for a day of shopping, visiting family and friends or attending an appointment, these services have become a vital link for regional and rural communities,” Ms Aitchison said.

“These services also provide connections with other modes of transport to travel to Sydney and other major cities.”

Ms Aitchison said community and operator feedback has been invaluable to informing some changes made to routes and stops going forward.

“The services will continue between Tumut and Wagga Wagga, and between Wyangala and Canberra, while the Conargo to Echuca service will now start at Deniliquin,” Ms Aitchison said.

“This change, made due to low take-up from Conargo, means the Echuca service will be 25 minutes quicker than it was and will improve service efficiency.”

Changes will also be made to stops on other bus services to better meet community demand. 

“Access to transport is a social determinant of health, education, jobs and other opportunities and, in regional communities, so this access is critical,” Ms Aitchison said.

“One of the main reasons we are extending the trial is to ensure we are accurately reflecting the take-up of these services, without the travel restrictions of 2020 and 2021 skewing the results.

“While the COVID-19 related travel restrictions and road closures due to heavy floods saw patronage fluctuate over the past three years, with a noticeable dip in 2021, the take up has since steadily increased.”

Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr said he welcomed the decision to extend the Tumut to Wagga bus trial for another 12 months, so the service could be evaluated properly and in a way that is not impacted by COVID.

“It is important to provide a public transport link from Tumut to Wagga Wagga to enable the people of Snowy Valleys to access important regional services in Wagga Wagga,” he said.

 Griffith MP Helen Dalton added, “I am very happy that the State Government has decided to extend the bus service, especially for people needing to use the services of Echuca Health.”

Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke said the Wyangala to Canberra service, operated by Live Better Services, is a game-changer for the community in the way locals are able to move around, making it easier to get to important medical appointments, buy groceries, and stay connected to family and friends in outlying towns.

“I am thrilled this service will be extended for another 12 months, giving our more isolated communities like Darby Falls, Cowra, Koorawatha, Bendick Murrell, Murringo, Boorowa and now Wattamondara, greater access and connection to vital services in larger centres,” she said.

• Deniliquin to Echuca 999 is operated by L.C. Dyson’s Bus Services and runs each Wednesday to connect the communities of Deniliquin, Mathoura, Moama and Echuca, with connections to NSW TrainLink services to Albury. Connections with the VLine to through Northern Victoria to Melbourne are also available to customers.
  
  
• Tumut to Wagga Wagga 998 is operated by Goodes Coaches and runs each Wednesday with stops at Adelong and Tarcutta, with connections at Wagga Wagga with NSW TrainLink services, and flights to Sydney, Melbourne and other regional and capital cities.
  
  
• Wyangala to Canberra 899 is operated by LiveBetter Services and runs each Friday travelling via Darby Falls, Cowra, Koorawatha, Bendick Murrell, Murringo, Boorowa. A new stop being added at Wattamondara in response to customer needs. Customers are able to connect at Canberra to NSW TrainLink services, regional rail services and flights to Sydney and other capital cities and international destinations.

Customers can view the timetables and book their service at https://transportnsw.info/regional-trials.

MEDIA:

Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540