BUS services to Derwent Valley towns beyond New Norfolk are to be expanded on a trial basis by O’Driscoll Coaches. Starting next week, twice weekly services will connect Ouse, Hamilton, Gretna, Maydena, Westerway, Bushy Park and Plenty with New Norfolk, while weekday services will start from New Norfolk to Lachlan, Lawitta and Magra.
Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim MHA said the timetables would be structured to have passengers arrive at New Norfolk in time to connect with regular services through to Hobart. “The services have been established under the Service Development Planning framework which allows bus operators to work with their communities to identify areas where they believe there is a transport need," Mr McKim said.
The State Government will provide funding assistance for O'Driscoll Coaches' Derwent Valley Link to trial these new services for a year while they build patronage to support ongoing operations. Operator Peter O'Driscoll recently told the Derwent Valley Council that he was purchasing a comfortable modern bus for the Upper Derwent Valley run and would need an additional driver.
The Lachlan and Magra service (via New Norfolk and Lawitta) starts on Monday, May 2 and will operate twice daily on weekdays.
Services from Ouse to New Norfolk (via Hamilton and Gretna) with connections to Glenorchy and Hobart will start on May 2 and will operate every Monday and Wednesday.
Services from Maydena to New Norfolk (via Westerway, Bushy Park and Plenty) with connections to Glenorchy and Hobart will start on May 3 and will operate every Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information visit www.derwentvalleylink.com.au or phone 6249 8880.
My congratulations to Mr O'Driscoll.
ReplyDeleteThese additional bus services have been very long awaited for... and will be a vital asset to the people beyond New Norfolk.
The connections between Glenorchy and Hobart, for those extra services, is the best news heard for a long - long time!
Cheers.