The coach will depart Orange train station on weekdays at 4.50am to connect to the bullet, which leaves Bathurst at 5.49am and stops at Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Katoomba, Springwood, Penrith and Parramatta before arriving at Central at 9.27am.

The evening train departs Sydney at 5.52pm, arriving in Bathurst at 9.35pm - the coach connection will return passengers to Orange by 10.55pm.

It would spell a 40 per cent drop in fares, with an adult one-way ticket expected to cost $16.87-$20.33, depending on seasonal fares.

Pensioners would pay $8.27, while children and students would pay $10.17.

Rail Action Group member Dr Peter Bilenkij welcomed the trial.

“It’s good that it’s finally happening and the trial results will be very interesting to see whether the time is too early for commuters,” he said.

“If it’s successful, all well and good, if it’s unsuccessful, we’ll be working to adjust the timetable.”

Member for Orange Andrew Gee said the trial provided a starting point and success would be determined by the number of users and their feedback.

He said a later service would be preferable, but safety advice recommended the 4.50am departure to ensure the bus could meet the bullet without rushing.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au