Revitalised regional coach network unveiled

NEW routes and modernised coaches have been unveiled as part of a major upgrade to NSW TrainLink coach services.

A 36 percent funding increase across the NSW TrainLink coach network will lift total funding to $290 million over the next nine years.

From 1 July, 14 coach operators will run 49 routes across the NSW TrainLink coach network, delivering 638 long-distance services each week, up from the current 592 services across 45 routes.

On some routes, the changes will save passengers over two hours in travel time.

The majority of services will be operated by modern coaches featuring wheelchair accessibility, improved seating and seatbelts, mobile phone charging points, onboard defibrillators and toilets.

The new routes will service over 360 destinations across NSW and into Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks said, “After listening to passengers, local operators and the NSW Bus Taskforce, we’ve reshaped the network to make services more reliable, better connected and easier to use, matching service provision to community need.

“Alongside the network review, we’ve overhauled our coach contracts, making wheelchair accessible coaches standard with better passenger amenities like improved air conditioning and toilets standard.”

Changes to NSW TrainLink coach services:

North West:

● A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route creating an Armidale–North Coast connection for the first time, with a train connection at Wauchope to Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane;

● A new Armidale CBD stop for services to and from Tenterfield and Inverell. New CBD stop for Armidale for routes to and from Inverell and Tenterfield (routes 337 and 338, 327 and 328).

● A new day-return service between Tamworth and Newcastle (via coach and train).

● More services on the Tamworth–Dubbo route. Additional Wednesday service between Dubbo and Tamworth for routes 361 and 362, which will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

● New daily route 352 and 351 between Tamworth and Muswellbrook, for a day-return link to and from Newcastle via rail interchange at Muswellbrook

North Coast:

● A new Armidale–Port Macquarie return route (creating an Armidale – North Coast connection for the first time). A new route will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between Armidale and Port Macquarie and return, providing an Armidale to North Coast connection for the first time. At Wauchope the coach connects with rail services giving access to and from Coffs Harbour, Grafton, the Northern Rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

● An enhanced Port Macquarie – Wauchope service enabling travel to Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the Northern Rivers, the Gold Coast and Brisbane (for the first time). Enhanced service between Port Macquarie and Wauchope, providing both northbound and southbound connections. This enables journeys from North Coast and Queensland centres such as Grafton, Coffs Harbour, the northern rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane to and from Port Macquarie for the first time.

● Additional Taree – Newcastle services with new stops. Route 135 and 136 Broadmeadow to Taree and return will increase in frequency from Monday to Friday to daily. There will be additional stops at Taree Manning Street and Newcastle Interchange.

● Improved day and night services to and from Ballina, connecting with trains at Casino.