New Trial Bus Service Boosts Access to Snowfields

[Fleet Lists]

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-a ... snowfields
New Trial Bus Service Boosts Access to Snowfields
Published2 Aug 2021

A trial bus service to better connect Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo will make travelling through the Kosciuszko National Park even easier this snow season.

Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the extra services would allow even more tourists to access the region in a COVID-safe way, helping drive jobs and boosting the local economy.

“The number of people driving to Jindabyne and accessing the Kosciuszko National Park to visit the ski resorts by car is growing each year, so to have a bus service operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 August will be a game changer for our region,” Mr Barilaro said.

“It means a safer journey for all with less people driving on our roads during peak periods, while also eliminating the frustrations of having to find a car park.

“The bus service will pick-up and drop-off at four locations in Jindabyne, so customers can leave their car parked at their accommodation and easily walk to one of the stops.

“Two separate bus routes will then service Perisher and Thredbo, allowing customers to access Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow and Charlotte Pass.

“This is all part of the NSW Government’s vision to permanently improve connectivity between the resorts and Jindabyne as the region transforms into a year-round destination under the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the bus service was a more convenient and safe alternative to driving, especially for those not used to driving in alpine conditions.

“We want everyone to enjoy our winter wonderlands this snow season, but the safety of operators and customers remains our priority,” Mr Toole said.

“For those able to travel to the region under the latest COVID-19 restrictions, our message is simple: you can share the space and be COVID-safe.

“Each of the 12 buses will be sanitised morning and night, and regularly cleaned throughout the day, while green dots will be rolled out to guide customers on where to sit on the bus.

“Capacity will be capped at 50 per cent, and masks are also compulsory for drivers and customers over the age of 13.”

Customers can now pre-book the trial bus service online at https://transportnsw.info/regional-bookings/.

For more information, visit transportnsw.info/regional.

[Glen]

Twelve buses - that's a serious commitment!

Here is a more direct web link:

https://transportnsw.info/snowy-mountai ... l-carousel

[Gusbus]

Twelve buses - that's a serious commitment!

Here is a more direct web link:

https://transportnsw.info/snowy-mountai ... l-carousel

I wonder if there is a reduced school PVR requirement on Fridays in the area. If so, it may mean that the 12 vehicle investment is just utilising idle resources. If not, then yes a serious commitment and also potentially a group of vehicles being used only on Fridays!

[J_Busworth]

I'm curious to see how the buses go with running time on days where chains are required on the Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road. Its not uncommon to have long queues of traffic build up at Penderlea Hill or Wilsons Valley as the roads reach the snowline and the speeds drop from the regular 80 to 40.

I do hope the service is successful. It is much needed and longer term is the only realistic way to ensure a safe way to get more people into the National Park given the car parks already fill up by 9am on weekends now.

[BroadGauge]

Is there actually anybody at the snow to be catching a bus at the moment? The only people who can go at present are those from the non-locked down parts of Regional NSW, as well as Canberra residents, who are currently being advised by the ACT Government to avoid making non-essential trips into any part of New South Wales.

Hopefully the ongoing future of the service is not going to be based on patronage levels achieved this year.

[Glen]

Numbers are down but people are still skiing.

You can see here:

https://www.perisher.com.au/reports-cams/cams#Xfront

(in the day time, of course).

[bussie]

Twelve buses - that's a serious commitment!

Here is a more direct web link:

https://transportnsw.info/snowy-mountai ... l-carousel

I wonder if there is a reduced school PVR requirement on Fridays in the area. If so, it may mean that the 12 vehicle investment is just utilising idle resources. If not, then yes a serious commitment and also potentially a group of vehicles being used only on Fridays!

Additional buses are leased in for this trial.

[Glen]

Has anyone heard if this service is intended to run this winter?

[Aurora]

That was the plan, to redo it this year, we’ll see in probably April or May if they keep their word.