Community members in Walgett will soon be able to get around a little bit easier, with a pre-booked door to door bus service set to start operations in April.
Operated by LiveBetter, the new flexible service aims to improve transport services for regional and remote
communities, providing a safe and reliable means of transport that won’t break the bank.
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The bus service will operate three days a week in Walgett, also serving the neighbouring Aboriginal
communities of Gingie and Namoi.
“This new service will ensure affordable access to local shopping, social activities, medical facilities, sporting events and employment opportunities while connecting the community with other transport services,” regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“Isolated communities are hindered socially and economically by a lack of transport availability and the Minns Labor Government is determined to address this.
“By investigating and investing in new potential transport options like Walgett Wheels, we are opening up opportunities for the community and working to close the transport disadvantage gap.”
Introduced after Transport for NSW carried out extensive consultation with the local community, the 12-month trial will be funded by a NSW Government Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) program grant which supports initiatives to improve services and outcomes for transport disadvantaged rural and regional communities.
The 10-seat Walgett Wheels bus service will run from 8.30am to 2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and
Fridays, with one-way fares starting from $2.30 for adults and $1.15 for children or concession card holders.
Pensioners can take advantage of an all-day Regional Excursion Daily (RED) ticket for the service, for just $2.50 per day.
Bookings must be made prior to boarding the service and can be made by calling 02 6391 2453.
“We are thrilled to expand our transport offering to provide more affordable and reliable public transport options to residents in Walgett and surrounds,” LiveBetter CEO Natalie Forsyth-Stock says.
“The Walgett Wheels service will complement LiveBetter’s existing Lightning Ridge Community Transport service, which already covers a broad area within the Walgett LGA, but not the township itself.
“We’re excited to bring this service to life and to continue our mission of supporting people to live and thrive in their chosen communities.”
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