MEDIA RELEASE

From the Minister for Public Transport

NEW ALPINE BUS LINK BETWEEN OMEO AND BRIGHT

Friday, 31 October, 2008

Tourists and locals have a new transport option following today’s launch of the Alps Bus Link which will provide a new public transport service between Omeo and Bright.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the service would run over the Alpine mountain ranges, providing a new transport option for both tourists and locals.

“This terrific new service will run from late October until the end of May next year, providing access to Alpine towns and a link to existing transport services to major regional centres such as Wangaratta and Bairnsdale,” Ms Kosky said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to boost public transport services in regional Victoria and importantly, this bus will serve local communities that have not previously been connected to any public transport services, such as Dinner Plain, Harrietville, Freeburgh and the Alpine resort of Mt Hotham.”

Ms Kosky boarded the bus for its inaugural journey, travelling from Bright to Harrietville, with the bus then continuing on over Mt Hotham to Omeo.

“The Brumby Government is delighted to support this project through an $11,500 grant,” Ms Kosky said.

“There has also been strong partnership between local communities, councils and tourism organisations to help develop this service, with a total of $14,500 raised in sponsorship to help fund the service.

“This new service has been developed through a successful partnership between two local Transport Connections projects.

“The Transport Connections initiative aims to help communities to develop innovative transport solutions that meet their needs and this local new Alps Bus Link is a terrific example of how communities can work together to make a real difference.”

Ms Kosky also announced a new Ovens Valley Taxi Link service would be trialed later this year, which would provide residents in Harrietville and Wandiligong with a link to V/Line coach services between Bright and Wangaratta.

“This is another innovative Transport Connections initiative which will help connect communities in the north east,” Ms Kosky said.

The Ovens Valley Taxi Link will operate on a trial basis for 12 months.  It will operate between Bright and Harrietville on Tuesday and Thursday and between Wandiligong and Bright on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

The Alps Bus Link will run on Mondays and Friday until the end of May. For bookings contact the operator Rod O’Connell on 5159 1377. For more information about these services visit the local websites www.egipps.vic.gov.au  www.mthotham.com.au or www.flexitrans.org

Information and Timetable Oct 08 (38 KB)