MEMBER for Bathurst Paul Toole says time-saving improvements on existing lines will be part of an upcoming fast rail strategy that is looking at a route through Bathurst, among other corridors.
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Rail expert Andrew McNaughton is leading a panel that will provide advice to the NSW Government on a fast rail network so a strategy can be finalised by the end of the year.
The "western corridor" from Lithgow to Parkes via Bathurst is one of the four potential routes - along with northern, southern inland and southern coastal routes - being investigated.
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While Mr Toole was reluctant to predict the western route would be selected for an initial fast rail investment that would slash travel times, he said it was important to know the strategy would also look at how existing lines could be improved.
"That might mean, because of constraints with freight and passenger trains, putting in more loops on the rail network," he said.
"It also might mean, where there are bends, we actually straighten the line to reduce some travel times as well.
"I think it will be very comprehensive.
"He [Professor McNaughton] will bring that to government and the government will look at it and respond."
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Mr Toole said improvements to the existing line between Bathurst and Sydney could make a big difference to the journey.
"Can we take 20 minutes, 30 minutes out of travel time?" he said.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said a fast rail network would give people greater choice about where they live and how they commute to work and connect more businesses and people with regional NSW.
"That's why the NSW Government appointed world-renowned high speed rail expert Professor Andrew McNaughton to lead an expert panel tasked with providing advice on how the government should best deliver a fast rail network to connect the state," the spokesperson said.
"It's an exciting opportunity to learn from international experience, which demonstrates that fast rail networks can be delivered in a staged approach, providing immediate benefits while moving closer to the overall vision for the network.
"A Fast Rail Strategy for NSW, to be developed with the expert panel's advice, will join the dots between these early wins and potential long-term gains to present a visionary blueprint on how a fast rail network could be delivered, ensuring future investment decisions are well considered."
Prof McNaughton led a workshop session in Orange in August which focused on regional transport and economic growth. Transport for NSW says feedback from the session will contribute to the fast rail strategy.
According to Transport for NSW, Prof McNaughton has also held one-on-one meetings in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo with leaders representing organisations across the Central West and Orana.
Transport for NSW says the NSW Government has committed $295 million to start early works for the fast rail network, which includes an initial investment of $93m in 2019-20.
The $93m will be used for early works on planning to improve the route to the Central West; improving an alignment north of Mittagong; duplication between Berry and Gerringong; and planning a new alignment between Sydney and Woy Woy.
