During an extensive four-year trial which commenced under the former government but was never funded to continue into the future, demand for both services has been strong.
Now, as more people opt to catch the bus to access healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities, the Tumut to Wagga Wagga service operated by Goodes Coaches has 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.
The trial Wyangala to Canberra service operated by LiveBetter Services which runs each Friday has 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.
Through the 2024-25 Budget the NSW Labor Government confirmed a record $44.5 billion spend over four years on regional transport and roads.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“These services are giving isolated country communities the opportunity to better connect with regional centres for essential healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities.
“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.”
Labor’s Duty MLC for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence said:
“It’s fantastic to see more and more people taking advantage of these great public transport options the NSW Labor Government is delivering.
“In the country where people have to travel long distances to access essential services, we know investment in public transport is critical to help reduce disadvantage and open up opportunities.”
Labor’s Duty MLC for Goulburn Bob Nanva said:
“Not everyone has access to a car and for some people these bus services provide their only link to better healthcare, education, employment and social opportunities. That’s why we’re backing them in for isolated communities.”
“I encourage more people to take advantage of this important service that the NSW Labor Government is investing in.
Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:
“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.
“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.”
