On-demand bus trials: Tamworth to have on-demand public transport under state government trial

The flexible service links Moore Creek residents with the town’s CBD at the touch of a button.

Residents in the area have done without a bus service for too long Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said.

“It’s been identified as a key area to help people move around and come into the city to do business, work, recreation or sport and leisure,” he said.

“The NSW government is looking at what we can do to provide better services for the public right across our great cities and we believe the on-demand service is something they’ve been calling for.”

Mr Anderson maintains the on-demand trial will not impact community transport operators who help the elderly or those with mobility challenges.

Moore Creek resident Julie Hannagan said her son would definitely use the after work service.

“Plenty of young adults are working in town after school and do not have the luxury of public transport that in town living provides,” she said.

“We pay our rates like everyone else and do not even get included in hard rubbish pick up, let alone workers public transport.

“So many people in outlying areas would benefit.”

The tender has been awarded to Macpherson’s Coaches, owned by Archie MacPherson – and will run a workers service in the mornings and evenings and a smaller coach during the day.

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It’s hoped it will grow employment opportunities for bus drivers who traditionally only did the school runs from A to B.

“It all depends on how much people want the service, but we’ll cater for their needs and where they need to go,” he said.

“It’s $4.40 for adults or $2.50 for a concession – so there’s no extra cost.”

The bus trial will begin in January with a 57 seater Workers Service and the 18 seater service during the day with potential to grow depending on use.

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