IF a NSW TrainLink coach connects passengers with the Bathurst Bullet daily commuter train service it could spell the end of Australia Wide Coaches’ Orange to Sydney service and cost six Orange-based jobs, according to managing director Richard Dawes.
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Mr Dawes said in the 17 months since the Bathurst Bullet began it had decimated the business’s Bathurst patronage.
“We can’t compete with the subsidised fare, we’re a private company,” he said.
Mr Dawes said he was disappointed member for Orange Andrew Gee was working to link the TrainLink coach service from Orange to the Bathurst Bullet, but had failed to consult with his company.
He said only Orange councillor Russell Turner was supportive.
“If they really want subsidised fares why don’t they approach me when I have empty spots?” he said.
“Andrew Gee just doesn’t seem to care. We are more than happy to sit down and work out a solution with them.”
Mr Dawes said he did not understand the need for Orange passengers to catch the Bathurst Bullet when they could already access electric rail services from Lithgow via the TrainLink coach.
The company will launch discounted fares from April 1 to bring more students and seniors on-board.
Students will pay $35 each way from Orange/Bathurst to Sydney Central and $45 each way to Sydney Airport, and seniors will pay $40 each way to Central and $50 to Sydney Airport.
Fares from Orange/Bathurst start at $45 each way to Central and $55 each way to Sydney Airport.
Other enticements will include free on-board Wi-Fi and a discounted return fare of $75 online or $85 through an agent for those travelling from Orange/Bathurst to Central and back in a day.
Mr Dawes said the company could launch an Orange to Canberra service as early as May 1, but expansion would only be possible if existing services remained viable.
