The Orange Rail Action Group has vowed to continue its efforts for a direct morning train service to Sydney while welcoming the introduction of a new connecting coach service.
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ORAG chairman Dr Peter Bilenkij and spokesman Neil Jones were at Orange railway station on Monday when the first of the new daily services left for Bathurst at 6.30am.
Passengers can either get off at Bathurst for the train or continue to Sydney on the coach.
It adds to the existing 4.55am service from Orange which connects to the first Bathurst bullet train. An extra coach will return daily from Bathurst to Orange.
Mr Jones said it was a "great additional service" for Orange.
"However the Orange Rail Action Group will continue to seek a direct early morning train service out of Orange to Sydney," he said.
"We acknowledge that the state government is not supporting the Bathurst Bullet commencing its journey in Orange but it is still one of our principal goals to get an early morning seamless journey to Sydney."
TIMETABLE FOR BATHURST BULLET TRAIN CONNECTION
Australia Wide Coaches managing director Richard Dawes said they had altered their direct Orange-Sydney and return coach timetable Monday-Thursday to also carry Orange-Bathurst Bullet service passengers.
A separate coach will run the Friday-Sunday services.
Mr Dawes said that if demand was high for services an extra coach would be provided.
He said the company would run a different timetable on Fridays and weekends for its direct Sydney service to suit people finishing work on Fridays and people going to Sydney for the weekend.
TIMETABLE FOR DIRECT COACH SERVICE
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the additional services would also benefit tourists.
"These services are not just for regional passengers. They also create more opportunities for Sydneysiders to get out and visit our great regional towns," he said.
"I encourage everyone to jump on board the Bathurst Bullet and connecting coaches to experience all that we have to offer in the Central West."