JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - WESTERN COMMUNITY TO HAVE A SAY ON PROPOSED COACH TIMETABLE

The western NSW community is invited to have a say on proposed NSW TrainLink coach timetable changes that are due to come into effect in mid-2026 to better meet the needs of the travelling public. 

NSW TrainLink is the state’s long distance regional public transport operator. 

Its coach network services an area including Bathurst, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Condobolin, Dubbo, Grenfell, Lightning Ridge, Mudgee, Mildura, Orange and Parkes, connecting communities and providing links to rail services and larger centres.   

The proposed changes to NSW TrainLink’s coach network include adjusted timetables to meet passenger needs, additional services on some existing routes, new stops to improve local access and better connections to other modes of transport. 

A new Monday service is proposed between Broken Hill and Mildura via Menindee and Pooncarie in addition to the current Wednesday and Friday services.   

A new Dubbo Airport stop would be added on routes to and from Nyngan, Bourke and Broken Hill.   

Wilcannia, Cobar and Nyngan would have a new day-return service option to Dubbo on Tuesdays.   

The popular route between Tamworth and Dubbo and return would increase in frequency to three times per week.

All services between Condobolin and Wagga Wagga in both directions would operate via Lake Cargelligo seven days a week, providing a more consistent service and a frequency increase to some towns.  

Services operating in the Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange and Parkes areas will be reviewed at a later date, and the community will be invited to provide feedback.   

The planned changes are based on extensive community and stakeholder feedback from a range of sources including regular customer and operator feedback, and the NSW Bus Taskforce. The proposed coach timetable would not impact train times or services. 

Following public consultation, a final service plan will be developed and coach operators will be able to apply for new NSW TrainLink contracts that are proposed to take effect from mid 2026. 

Community members can find details of the proposed routes and provide feedback at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/trainlink-coach-network-review until Friday, 14 February. 

Across the NSW TrainLink network there are currently 571 coach services each week across 39 routes, with over 420,000 passenger journeys made each year.  

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: 

“The proposed NSW TrainLink coach plan will deliver improved connections to strategic centres and major cities. 

“This will lead to better transport integration with other modes such as train, bus and plane so that members of the community are better able to access vital services including health, education and employment. 

“Improved NSW TrainLink coach services also allow community members to stay connected with family and friends and enjoy entertainment and recreation in major centres, so there are numerous wellbeing benefits.

“We know that the NSW TrainLink coach network particularly helps some of the most disadvantaged in our society, including those in rural and remote areas and Aboriginal communities, who often have little or no access to other forms of affordable, accessible transport.  

“I encourage everyone to provide feedback so we can best plan for future need and make sure people can get where they need to go when they need to travel.” 

MEDIA:

Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540