Calls for a coach connection from Orange to Bathurst for passengers to join the newly-announced second Bullet train have received the backing of Federal MP Andrew Gee.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Gee, the member for Calare, said he would contact the state government to push for the coach connection to Orange.
"As a state member [for Orange until 2016] I was able to secure the bus link to the existing Bullet which proved extremely successful," he said.
"It is a very important regional transport link, so I am happy to help and I will be happy to raise it with the NSW government to push that long."
Mr Gee said he would contact the relevant state minister to put Orange's case.
Regional transport links are absolutely vital so I am happy to help and assist in any way I can.
- Andrew Gee, Member for Calare
Paul Toole is the NSW regional transport and roads minister while Andrew Constance is the state transport minister.
"I think it is vitally important that we do anything that we can to reduce the tyranny of distance between the city and the bush," he said.
"Regional transport links are absolutely vital so I am happy to help and assist in any way I can."
The state government has announced the second Bullet train will start running a daily return service from Bathurst-Sydney on Monday September 16.
However, despite announcing the new timetable for the train, there has been no mention of a coach connection to enable Orange passengers to use it directly from the Colour City.
A NSW Trainlink spokeswoman told the Central Western Daily no decision had been made about a coach link.
"We are still investigating all the options for a connection," she said.
Orange Rail Action Group chairman Dr Peter Bilenkij said he was "very hopeful" the coach link would be provided.
He said it should be an interim measure until a daily morning train could be provided for Orange.
That seems to be waiting on the opening of a rail maintenance centre in Dubbo, and the introduction of a replacement regional train fleet in 2023.
From September 16 Bathurst passengers will be able to catch Bullet trains departing at 5.46am and 7.35am to Sydney on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
A slightly different departure time will apply on Wednesdays and there will also be weekend services.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...