Communities across regional NSW will soon benefit from the largest upgrade to the NSW TrainLink Coach network in over a decade, with the Minns Labor Government investing $290 million over the next nine years to deliver new services, modern coaches and improved passenger amenities across the state.
Every day, on average, 1594 passenger journeys are made on the NSW TrainLink coach network. Regional passengers rely on services to get to work, access healthcare and education, visit family and friends and stay connected to their communities. Every one of these journeys should be safe and reliable, with coach services that are accessible to everyone.
The modern coaches set a new standard for regional travel, featuring enhanced accessibility and a range of improved onboard amenities, including higher-quality seating, wheelchair accessibility, improved air conditioning, onboard toilets, mobile phone charging points, Wi-Fi or mobile reception booster capability, and life-saving defibrillators.
From today, 14 coach operators will begin operating an expanded NSW TrainLink coach network, providing 638 long-distance services each week across 49 routes - up from 592 weekly services on 45 routes.
The expansion increases network coverage by almost 200,000 kilometres each year, bringing the total NSW TrainLink coach network to more than 7.15 million kilometres and connecting more than 360 destinations across NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT.
The investment represents one of the most significant upgrades to regional coach services in over a decade and will make public transport a more attractive and accessible option for regional communities, visitors and long-distance travellers.
The Minns Labor Government recognises that regional NSW has distinct transport needs - and that delivering for regional communities means listening, investing and following through.
The new coaches will also carry a distinctive sunset orange livery, creating a consistent and modern identity for regional public transport services across the state.
More than half of all routes will be serviced by the new vehicles from today, with the remaining routes transitioning to upgraded coaches over the coming months.
For more information about the NSW TrainLink network visit transportnsw.info/routes/nsw-trainlink
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
"Today's rollout marks the beginning of a new era for regional coach travel in NSW.
"For more than 580,000 passenger journeys every year, this $290 million investment is a game changer. It means more services, more choice, and a safer, more comfortable journey.
"We know that regional communities face challenges that are simply different from those in our cities. Distances are greater, alternatives are fewer, and the stakes of a missed or unreliable service are higher. This investment is our answer to that - a commitment to services that actually reflect how people in regional NSW live and travel.
"This investment is another example of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to improving the everyday lives of our regional communities."
