Visitors to Victoria’s north east can take advantage of a new winter bus link operating between Wangaratta and Bairnsdale along the Great Alpine Road.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky today announced the new Winter Alps Bus Link service would start tomorrow and run until 4 October providing public transport in the region for the first time.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to draw tourists to our fantastic alpine region and the Winter Alps Bus Link service will provide a public transport connection that links the regional towns of Wangaratta, Bright, Omeo and Bairnsdale along the Great Alpine Road,” Ms Kosky said.
‘’The innovative trial of the Summer Alps Bus Link has proved to be a great success over the past seven months
“Importantly, it has helped to link hundreds of people in the Alpine and East Gippsland communities that have not been able to easily access some local towns and facilities via public transport before.
“The new Winter Alps Bus Link will continue to provide these connections for local residents as well as provide connections for the large number of people visiting the Victorian Alpine Region during its busiest time of year.”
Ms Kosky said that in addition to the new winter bus trial, funding will also be provided for the Summer Alps Bus Link to run again, providing a bus link until 28 May 2010.
“The Great Alpine Road is one of Australia’s greatest visitor touring routes as well as an everyday road link for several local communities,” Ms Kosky said.
“It is important that we recognise the significance of this unique public transport connection throughout all seasons of the year, in particular during winter.
“In winter the area experiences extreme snow conditions and the road can be daunting for drivers, particularly those just visiting the region.”
Ms Kosky said these bus services were providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport options to help improve connections for all people in the Alpine Region.
This project is being delivered as part of the Let’s GET Connected and North East Transport Connections projects in collaboration with the Department of Transport.
For more information contact the North East Transport Connections Project: 03 5731 3506, tcpovens@ovensandking.org.au, www.flexitrans.org and/or or Let’s GET Connected Project: 03 5153 9441, rhondaj@egipps.vic.gov.au or go to: www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au; www.egipps.vic.gov.au, www.mthotham.com.au
Download the fare information and timetable below.
Fare infromation - Alps Winter Bus (45 KB)
10 June 2009
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