It was one of three NSW TrainLink trial services, which made their first trip from Tamworth.

Passengers boarded bright orange coaches to Dubbo, Scone and Port Macquarie on the first day of the new services with hopes there’d be enough interest to run the routes on a permanent basis.

For Paula Milburn, her trip to Dubbo on Monday was the first leg on a holiday full of family visits.

She said the travel was made much easier with the new service.

Doreen and Bruce Nicholls were on their way back to Parkes after spending the weekend celebrating their son’s birthday in Tamworth.

It was a hard slog to get to the country music capital after having to travel via Newcastle to get here, but the pair were relieved their direct coach journey on the way home would be much shorter.

While the buses weren’t full on their maiden journeys, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he expected passenger numbers to increase when word got out.

“We’d always want more passengers but we’ve had 10 going to Dubbo and four going to Port Macquarie and a handful or so go to Scone. I’m confident it will lift.

“It’s a use it or lose it (initiative) these are expensive runs but you’ve got to put these transport options on and we need to open it up.”