As part of the NSW government’s ‘Regional Cities Program’, there are plans to improve or increase bus services right across regional NSW. All 16 cities participating in the program will receive greatly improved transport services.
The program aims to identify gaps and opportunities with current bus services in each city and deliver improvements to better meet customer needs.
Improvements that have been suggested for implantation as part of the program include;
- Changes to existing journeys and timetables,
- New trip possibilities including new routes,
- Extended service hours including later services during evenings and all day service on weekends
- More reliable services and better connections to where people work, shop, study and access health care and other services.
- Where applicable, the program will also look at more seamless journeys across State borders.
The new bus services will be piloted in Tweed Heads and Wagga Wagga, with new services launching in Tweed Heads from Monday 16 December 2019.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new timetables would deliver improved connectivity to popular locations and would see longer operating hours along key routes.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is delivering on its election commitment to improve bus services in 16 Regional Cities, with the Tweed the first to receive a major public transport boost,” Mr Toole said.
“We are supporting economic growth in our regions by improving connectivity, employment opportunities, education facilities and leading health care services.
“As we support and grow our hubs, it’s important we have the services available that meet customers’ needs. The new Tweed network will serve as a pilot program for further improvements to other regional cities.”
The other regional cities involved in the scheme are Griffith, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Parkes, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Albury, Nowra-Bomaderry, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Armidale and Lismore.
The existing bus operators in the area will received additional assistance funding for the provision of these new services. This may include new buses, and money for additional driver salaries.
Transport NSW Blog 