Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway is forecasting a new era for Orange’s public transport network, with more than 200 additional bus services a week and the opportunity to track services in real time.
The Minister said the Liberal and Nationals Government is making it easier to use the city’s buses, with services that meet the specific needs of the community.
“Our Government is securing a brighter future for NSW by delivering better services more frequently and closer to home,” Mr Farraway said.
NEW ERA: Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Jack Evans celebrates the launch of new bus services with Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary, Customer Strategy and Technology Joost de Kock, Transport for NSW Director West Alistair Lunn and NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway.
“From Monday, we’ll be delivering more than 200 additional weekly services that’s an increase of over 30 per cent more services, drivingbetter connectivity, more travel options and extra services at off-peak times and on weekends. The new bus routes will travel through the CBD, removing the need for customers to change routes to travel between north and south Orange.
“Some routes will also provide frequent timetable services every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and every hour on Sundays, there are also more direct services to the hospital. These improvements will mean shift-workers, students, families and people with health needs and disabilities will have greater flexibility to get to work, education, shops and essential services. We’ve listened to the community and are delivering services to better work for them.”
Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Jack Evans said he wanted to encourage Orange residents who have never caught a bus before to try the new routes.
“I want to thank Transport for NSW for bringing this initiative forward,” Cr Evans said.
“Growing up in Orange I never really caught the bus unless I was going to school, but I went down to Wollongong for a few years and I got to experience how efficient and convenient public transport was. Instead of a really short trip into town and then half an hour to get back, we’ve now got the same time each way with bi-directional travel. The connections from North Orange down to the hospital are very convenient.
“As Weird Al Yancovic said: ‘Another one rides the bus’.”
As part of the launch of the new bus network, the community is invited to attend a free barbecue in Robertson Park, Orange, on Monday, 12 September from 10.30am to 2pm. Transport for NS staff will be on hand to answer community questions about the new timetables and how to access the real-time tracking of routes services and school bus runs.
Customers can plan their trip using the new services with updated timetable information at www.transportnsw.info/news/2022/better-bus-services-for-orange
