WITH an increasing traffic problem on most weekends during winter the NSW State Government have relaunched their bus trial to take passengers from Jindabyne to both Perisher and Thredbo resorts.
As part of the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct discussions, transport has been a key subject particularly on Kosciuszko Road leading to Perisher.
Already in winter 2022 the Perisher car park has filled forcing traffic authorities to close the Kosciuszko Road at Jindabyne.
The bus service, which had a covid induced false start in August 2021 will help alleviate access to the resorts where guests can now walk from their accommodation in Jindabyne and use the bus service for a small fee.
On days where the car parks at Perisher or Thredbo are full, visitors can still access the resorts. This will be perfect for sightseeing and snow play visitors who often arrive mid-morning.
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said the launch of the 2022 trial bus service will help Transport for NSW assess the need for future services.
“We have had a great start to the winter season already with huge crowds hitting the slopes and this trial will be very welcome over what is set to be a bumper winter season,” Mrs Overall said.
“By having a public transport option to reach the slopes Transport for NSW will provide a safe and cost-effective alternative to driving on congested and often snow affected roads. With record numbers of visitors expected to the region this winter, it will mean safer journeys with fewer people driving on alpine roads during peak periods and eliminate the frustrations of having to find a car park.”
The service will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from July 1 and use the same route as winter 2021 (see map).
Two separate bus routes will service Perisher and Thredbo, the Perisher bus also ideal for Charlotte Pass day trippers. 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.
Timetable
Starting from Jindabyne 6am on the half hour.
Peak morning services from Jindabyne will run every 30 minutes between 6am and 10am with similar intervals for afternoon return between 2pm and 6:30pm. Off peak travel in the middle of the day will be every 60 minutes.
The travel time for buses between Jindabyne and the snow resorts will be similar to other vehicles, dependent on weather conditions and traffic delays.
Cost
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.
Baggage
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 20 kilograms but are encouraged to use off-peak services in the middle of the day.
Customers can now pre-book the trial bus service online at
transportnsw.info/snowy-mountains-bus