MOREE is one of seven new locations in regional NSW chosen for the State Government’s latest On Demand transport trials, providing a whole new level of choice and flexibility for regional transport customers, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.
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Mr Marshall said On Demand public transport was a first for the region and would enable locals to book a vehicle, like a mini bus, via phone to text, to pick them up from home or a convenient nearby location, and take them to a local transport hub or point of interest.
“This is public transport provided in a completely new way, at a time that suits you, arriving where and when people need them so they can manage their own time without being over-reliant on their car,” Mr Marshall said.
“Local bus company Reynolds and Fogarty will operate the new On Demand service picking up passengers at or near their home and taking them to their chosen destination within the Moree town boundary.
“A bus service meeting the morning and evening Xplorer train will also be provided seven days per week.
“Two dedicated buses, one with the capacity for 14 passengers and the other a 44, will operate the On Demand and route service to provide a complete transport offering for residents in Moree.”
Mr Marshall said a standard fare would cost $3.00 with the existing Regional Excursion Daily (RED) tickets for seniors and pensioners to be accepted.
“Bookings can be via phone or text message with services operating seven days per week Sunday, between 7am and 7pm,” he said.
“The new service is expected to start before the end of the year with more details on booking details to be made available in the coming weeks.”
The NSW Government is currently trialing On Demand public transport pilots across Sydney and greater metropolitan areas but Mr Marshall said this latest set of trials would be different.
“By collaborating with local transport operators and local business, these trials are something country people have never had access to,” he said.
“This will turn people’s perception of what public transport is in the bush completely on its head and I cannot wait to see how the community responds and take up rate of this new service, which will operate around the needs of customers, not the other way around.”
“We’ve seen great success with existing trials in metropolitan areas with more than 150,000 passenger trips in less than a year and we can’t wait to see these numbers grow in Moree.
“Uptake of On Demand services in NSW is one of the fastest growing in the world, with our On Demand program recognised as one of the most geographically diverse.”
