Ski resort bus services expanded and new text system launched for smoother snow season travel

Powderhounds will have an easier time moving around the Snowy Mountains once winter arrives.

This year will see the Snowy Mountains bus system to the resorts expand to include a Cooma to Jindabyne (via Berridale) service.

The bus service is operated in partnership with Transport for NSW and was introduced in 2022.

During ski season, services will also be available seven days a week from Jindabyne to the Perisher and Thredbo resorts, as well as connecting services via East Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village, and Cooma.

State Member for Monaro Steve Whan said the service was an attractive alternative to driving.

“The Snowy Mountains bus service is a safe and affordable alternative to driving and has steadily grown in popularity, with 95 per cent of passengers surveyed last year saying they would use the service again,” he said.

A return ticket costs between $12 and $23, according to Transport for NSW’s website, while a one-way ticket is priced between $8 and $16.

In 2024, it will run from 8 June to 6 October, with extra services set to run during the school holidays.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “The Snowy Mountains bus allows a stress-free journey to the snowfields for snow-goers. The service allows motorists who might not be experienced in driving in alpine conditions an alternative to ensure their families make it safely to the snowfields.

“Increased services in 2023 led to improved safety, reliability and social and economic outcomes, and contributed to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow, a reduction in road incidents and reduction in vehicle recoveries performed in the alpine area.”

More than 80,000 passenger journeys were completed in 2023.

The upcoming winter season will also see the debut of a subscription-based SMS notification system for those who decide to drive.

Transport for NSW is required to temporarily close Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way once parking availability at Perisher and Thredbo reaches capacity.

In this initiative, Transport for NSW will send three text messages regarding road closures, before, during and after the closures are in place.

Mr Whan said the real-time messaging would help residents and holiday-makers alike plan their trips.

“Locals and regular snow visitors will know the frustration of arriving at the Kosciusko Road and Alpine Way intersection, only to be turned around,” he said.

“This new SMS alert system will now allow them to make more informed travel decisions before departure.”

Ms Aitchison said the texts would stop visitors to the snowfields being inconvenienced.

“The NSW Labor Government is proud to invest in this new SMS alert service that gives motorists another tool they can use to better plan their journeys and avoid being inconvenienced this snow season,” she said.

“Importantly, this service has been developed in response to feedback from motorists who told Transport for NSW they needed more notice of closures.

“I’m pleased we’re acting on that feedback and delivering an improved service that will benefit all road users.”

The public can book seats on the Snowy Mountains bus service online and subscribe to the SMS alert service via the NSW Government’s website.

Original Article published by Claire Sams on About Regional.