Locals and visitors are already enjoying the Winter Alps Bus Link service, between Omeo and Bright along the Great Alpine Road.

Following a successful summer Alps bus link trial, the Public Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky recently announced the funding for the new Winter Alps Bus Link trial service.

It was officially launched today as Victoria’s highest public transport service by Roads and Ports Minister, Tim Pallas. He outlined the importance of the new Winter Alps Bus Link to provide safe, reliable and affordable public transport and inter- regional connections for local residents, seasonal workers and visitors during the Victorian Alpine Region’s busiest time of year.

‘’Already in the first few weeks of the Winter Alps Bus Link trial, word has got out to the local communities and dozens of people each week have taken the opportunity to try the service and more easily access some local towns and facilities via public transport. Local bus drivers have reported a great mix of passengers, from local teenagers and older people unable to drive the difficult mountainous roads themselves, to “temporary mountain workers” accessing local facilities and shops off the mountain, to regional visitors enjoying a worry- free winter drive through spectacular scenery.”

Also in attendance were Craig Ingram MP Member for Gippsland East, Deputy Mayor Michael Freshwater, East Gippsland Shire and Mayor of the Alpine Shire Nino Mautone.

This service was conceived and implemented for the first time this summer, and proved a great success with both locals and tourists taking up the opportunity to travel over the mountain. From 10 June to 4 October 2009, the bus will travel twice a day each Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. This is a great new public transport route linking the mountains to the sea.

If you need a timetable please drop into Mt Hotham Resort Management Office or the Guest Services desk in Hotham Central. For more information about the bus service times and bookings contact 1300 722191.

10 July 2009