A trial bus service to better connect Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo will make travelling through the Kosciuszko National Park even easier this snow season.

As part of the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct discussions, transport has been a key subject particularly with weekend roads often congested. The trial bus service implemented this winter will be assessed after its conclusion for potential future adoption.

The bus service will pick up and set down at four locations in Jindabyne where passengers could walk from their accommodation to the dedicated bus stop locations.

Two separate bus routes will service Perisher and Thredbo, the Perisher bus also ideal for Charlotte Pass day trippers.

Peak morning services from Jindabyne will run every 20 minutes between 6am and 10am with similar peak intervals for the return journey in the afternoons between 2pm and 6:30pm.

The travel time for buses between Jindabyne and the ski resorts will be similar to other vehicles, dependent on weather conditions and traffic delays.

The public transport fare for an Adult is $20 return when pre-booked and paid online, or $10 one way. The Child/Concession fare is $10 return or $5 one way. All fares are inclusive of the Kosciuszko National Park fee.

Customers may purchase a single one-way ticket on the day of travel, but only if there is capacity on the bus, so online bookings are advised.

Buses will have provisions to carry ski equipment and a small day pack to and from the snow fields. Any customers staying at resorts may also bring one bag weighing up to 20kg but are encouraged to use off-peak services in the middle of the day.

Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said it means a safer journey for all with less people driving on our roads during peak periods, while also eliminating the frustrations of having to find a car park.

“The number of people driving to Jindabyne and accessing the Kosciuszko National Park to visit the ski resorts by car is growing each year, so to have a bus service operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 August will be a game changer for our region,” Mr Barilaro said.

“It means a safer journey for all with less people driving on our roads during peak periods, while also eliminating the frustrations of having to find a car park.”

“This is all part of the NSW Government’s vision to permanently improve connectivity between the resorts and Jindabyne as the region transforms into a year-round destination under the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the bus service was a more convenient and safe alternative to driving, especially for those not used to driving in alpine conditions.

“Each of the 12 buses will be sanitised morning and night, and regularly cleaned throughout the day, while green dots will be rolled out to guide customers on where to sit on the bus,” Mr Toole said.

Bus capacity will be capped at 50 per cent, and masks are also compulsory for drivers and customers over the age of 13.

Customers can now pre-book the trial bus service online here.

For more information, visit Transport NSW Regional.