The NSW government has announced new measures to make it easier for snow lovers to make the most of ski season this year, with the Snowy Mountains bus service expanded while a new SMS alert service has been introduced.
Tickets are now available for the Snowy Mountains bus service, which has grown this year to include a Cooma to Jindabyne via Berridale service.
The Snowy Mountains service grew in popularity to carry more than 80,000 passengers in 2023, with this year’s season running from June 8 to October 6, including extra school holiday runs.
“The Snowy Mountains bus allows a stress-free journey to the snow fields for snow goers. The service allows motorists who might not be experienced in driving in alpine conditions to have an alternative to ensure their families make it safely to the snow fields,” NSW transport minister Jo Haylen says.
“Increased services in 2023 led to improved safety, reliability and social and economic outcomes, and contributed to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow, a reduction in road incidents and reduction in vehicle recoveries performed in the alpine area.”
Alongside this expansion, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has introduce a subscription-based SMS service that will send alerts when Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Road need to close due to parking at the ski fields reaching capacity.
Customers who subscribe will receive three text messages to alert them of road closures before, during and after they’re in place.
“The NSW government is proud to invest in this new SMS alert service that gives motorists another tool they can use to better plan their journeys and avoid being inconvenienced this snow season,” Haylen says.
“Importantly, this service has been developed in response to feedback from motorists who told Transport for NSW they needed more notice of closures. I’m pleased we’re acting on that feedback and delivering an improved service that will benefit all road users.”
Minister for skills, TAFE and tertiary education Steve Whan says: “The Snowy Mountains bus service is as a safe and affordable alternative to driving, and has steadily grown in popularity, with 95 per cent of passengers surveyed last year saying they would use the service again.”
“This year we are excited to expand the reach of this popular service and add a new initiative that will deliver important real-time messaging directly to customers when they need it most.”