A new look transport system is about to hit Tamworth.
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The launch of a pilot SmartCard scheme on the weekend will see the Country Music Capital take centre stage leading the way for making transport more accessible for those with a disability.
Around 50 locals and two Tamworth taxi companies are participating in the trial for Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.
Peter Kachel from Tamworth Cabs and Alan Beresford from 13 CABS said they were getting ready for some happy customers.
"When I first heard about the pilot I put my hand up," Mr Beresford explained.
"It's going to make a real difference, and after seven to eight months of working on this its brilliant to start it up."
"It means a hell of a lot of paperwork saved in the office. We can get up 2000 to 4000 dockets for the month, tally, add up, send away for payment. Now, the passenger can just tap the card and the transaction is completed," Mr Kachel said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole paid a visit to Tamworth on Sunday to cap off his announcements to mark the start of the pilot campaign and launch extra bus services.
The new tap-and-go pilot program is designed to make it easier for for those travelling with the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.
It will replace the old paper docket system, simplifying the process and going paperless.
"The tap-and-go card will also reduce the time it takes drivers to process transactions and receive payments ... a win-win all round," he said.
Mr Anderson was proud of the fact Tamworth would trial the program, working out any kinks, collating data, to pioneer the way forward before it gets rolled out across the rest of the state.
Getting around Tamworth is set to be even easier for others as well, with more than 90 additional weekly bus services rolling out from today across the region.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the extra services were a huge win for locals.
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"These services will give customers more options to travel to places like the Hospital, Calala, the Tamworth Sports Dome and surrounding sporting facilities, the TAFE, Taminda Industrial Estate, shopping and leisure facilities in Tamworth CBD," Mr Anderson said.
It will also include more direct routes from the Tamworth CBD to Calala via Goonoo Goonoo Road and Tamworth Shoppingworld, as well as a new Saturday service between Quirindi and Tamworth.
Plan trips online here or call Hannafords Coaches for more information.
