As holiday crowds and wet weather descend upon the Snowy Mountains, the NSW government is urging visitors to keep cars at home and jump onboard buses instead.
The alpine region is notorious for its dangerous winter road conditions, with ill equipped vehicles set to suffer.
One vehicle, not equipped with snow chains, slid off an icy road and became stranded in hazardous conditions while another driver, apparently not adjusting their speed for the conditions, ended up down an embankment after losing control on mountain roads.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australasia’s bus and coach industry
- Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly ABC magazine
In an effort to ensure safer roads, the NSW government has ramped up snow-clearing operations and implemented network management strategies and bus services to handle the spike in demand.
The popular Snowy Mountains Bus Service has experienced record-breaking demand, with a 30 per cent increase in passenger numbers compared to this time in 2024.
So far this year, more than 28,000 trips have been made on services connecting Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne, Perisher, Thredbo, and Bullocks Flat.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying our beautiful alpine region, but good snow doesn’t mean good driving conditions. We want the thrills to stay on the slopes, not on icy roads,” roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in transport solutions that prioritise public safety and make it easier for families and visitors to enjoy NSW’s world-class winter destinations.
“The Snowy Mountains Bus Service is making a real difference, especially for people without four-wheel drives or experience fitting snow chains. And fewer cars on the road helps keep those key routes open for everyone.”
More than 3,000 journeys were recorded during the first weekend of the NSW school holidays alone – a surge that has prompted additional peak services every 30 minutes between Jindabyne and Perisher to meet demand.
“Our bus services are playing a crucial role in keeping roads safe and resorts accessible,” Aitchison says.
“My advice to drivers is to plan ahead, sign up for alerts, and consider public transport, so the only drama you face this snow season is picking between Perisher and Thredbo.”
Read more:
- Victorian driver strikes: One operator reaches agreement while one prepares for more strikes after unsuccessful negotiations
- Western suburbs in Melbourne score major transport boost
- Victorian veteran to exit bus industry following storied career
- WA government slashes bus fares with $152 million investment
- Major bus reforms coming for the NT
