From Monday, March 5, bus fares will become cheaper across Orange.
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Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said bus fares in regional NSW will be dramatically reduced following recommendations made by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
“IPART’s review found that fares are higher than what customers are willing to pay, resulting in lower patronage on regional services,” he said.
Orange Buslines depot manager Tim Smith said it will align the fares more equitably with Sydney metropolitan fares and the majority of Orange passengers will see a reduction of fares for their bus travel.
“Orange Buslines will adopt the IPART fare schedule but will cap the maximum fare at $7.20, $3.60 concession,” Mr Smith.
However, for journeys over 16 sections, approximately 26 kilometres, such as between Orange and Bathurst, the current capped fare will rise from $6 to $7.20, which is still cheaper than the recommended $9.60.
“For all other journeys passengers will receive a fare reduction with the exception of a one section fare which will remain unaltered,” Mr Smith said.
“This means that 96 per cent of Orange Buslines passengers will receive a reduced fare or the fare will remain unaltered.”
People who catch the bus from the top of Glenroi to the Orange CBD, or reverse, would pay $3.40 instead of $4.30 per trip.
Passengers travelling between the Charles Sturt University Campus and the CBD would pay $3.40 instead of $5 per trip.
However, Mr Smith said children and concession card holders pay half that price, and RED tickets, for seniors will remain at $2.50.
Australia Wide Coaches managing director Richard Dawes said the coach service, which runs between Orange and Sydney is privately run and will not come under the changes.
“This will only affect the local bus company Orange Buslines, this is a fully government-funded organisation whereas we are fully non-subsidised by the government and a totally private service,” Mr Dawes said.