A new day-return coach service between western NSW towns and Dubbo to start as a trial next year aims to reduce isolation for communities.
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The public transport option is set to operate between Bourke and Brewarrina and Dubbo, giving passengers the chance to spend up to four hours in the city before returning home later that afternoon.
Residents will have the chance to shape the new service to be included on the NSW TrainLink timetable, with a survey asking local people which days and times they would like the trial.
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries is encouraging the local community to provide their ideas for the service.
“The additional NSW TrainLink services will create new and better opportunities for Barwon community members to travel to the regional centre of Dubbo for medical and business appointments, shopping, recreational activities or to catch up with friends and family,” he said.
“Currently, if you’re travelling from Bourke or Brewarrina to Dubbo, you have to stay overnight or organise your own return travel as there’s no day return option.
“This additional service will provide more flexibility.
“I am committed to ensuring a quality regional transport service to our Barwon communities and encourage everyone to participate in the survey to ensure an effective trial.”
Dubbo MP Troy Grant said the government was listening to the needs of people and improving transport in rural and regional areas and creating better connections for smaller and remote communities.
“To get this right, we are first talking to local people about new convenient and safe travel options,” Mr Grant said.
“The public feedback on the service options will be important for confirming the timetable and operations for the trial period.”
Mr Grant said a Transport for NSW survey is asking local people which days and times they would like the trial to operate.
For example, people may prefer to leave early in the morning and return home before dark; or leave later and return later.
The survey is available on the Transport for NSW website.
The proposed extra service will follow the current NSW TrainLink route: Bourke and Brewarrina – Byrock - Coolabah - Girilambone - Nyngan – Nevertire – Trangie - Narromine – Dubbo and return.
In May 2017, the Government introduced a trial day return bus service trial between Tottenham and Dubbo.
Transport for NSW is also keen to hear community views on longer term planning for services and infrastructure for regional communities through its Future Transport 2056 program.
Go to www.future.transport.nsw.gov.au for more details.
