Demand has continued to grow for the popular Tumut to Wagga Wagga and Wyangala to Canberra bus services to become a permanent route, with answers finally given by the NSW government.
Following an extensive four-year trial, the Tumut to Wagga Wagga service operated by Goodes Coaches has finally been confirmed as an ongoing service with a three-year contract put in place.
Patronage for this service, which also has stops at Adelong and Tarcutta and connects with NSW TrainLink services at Wagga Wagga Station, has grown after the addition of a new service on Saturdays in addition to the original Wednesday service.
More people have been opting to catch the bus to access healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities.
“The success of the trial shows that the Tumut-Wagga bus service is greatly valued as an important link between the Snowy Valleys and Wagga, allowing passengers to easily access services, shops, transport links and other facilities,” independent member for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr says.
“The confirmation that the service is locked in for the next three years is great economic and social news for communities along the route and provides certainty to passengers who can continue to travel to and from Wagga safely, reliably and affordably.”
The trial Wyangala to Canberra service operated by LiveBetter Services which runs each Friday has also been extended for another year.
Bookings for this service, travelling via Darby Falls, Cowra, Koorawatha, Bendick Murrell, Murringo, Boorowa have grown strongly following a targeted information campaign.
“These services are giving isolated country communities the opportunity to better connect with regional centres for essential healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities,” transport minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“They’re also providing people with better connections with other modes of transport to travel to Sydney and other major cities.
“Investments in these services are all part of the NSW Labor Government’s plan to build better communities while ensuring we have the roads and transport infrastructure we need to improve the lives of people in NSW.”
Bookings for the Tumut-Wagga service are essential.