The number of passengers using public transport in NSW has plummeted by at least three-quarters since the COVID-19 crisis started, but services to and from Dubbo continue, Transport for NSW reports.
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Australians were directed to avoid all non-essential travel on March 22 and by the end of the same month NSW had tough restrictions that required people not to leave home without a "reasonable excuse".
Normally NSW TrainLink connects outlying destinations with Dubbo, and Dubbo-Sydney train and coach return services operate daily.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the government was encouraging everyone to cancel any non-essential travel during the coronavirus pandemic, however it was essential people with no other means of transport could still access important medical appointments or get to the shops for supplies.
"Transport for NSW understands the important role public transport plays in the daily lives of commuters, especially in the regions, and there are currently no plans to reduce services," the spokesperson said.
"Overall, during COVID-19 there has been a decrease of 75 to 85 per cent in patronage across the public transport network.
"Transport for NSW is working closely with NSW Health and increased cleaning of hard surfaces at high traffic areas across the network has been rolled out and will continue for the foreseeable future.
"Transport for NSW has also implemented measures to ensure the safety of our customers and staff travelling on our network across long distances, particularly regionally.
"NSW TrainLink regional rail and coach customers are also being booked in a way to accommodate social-distancing where possible."
The department encouraged customers to practise good hygiene while on all public transport.
"This includes not using public transport if you are feeling sick and keeping in mind the distance between you and others," the spokesperson said.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
