With the first Bathurst Bullet set to celebrate its eight birthday on Wednesday, the Bathurst Rail Action Group is anticipating a bright future for transport to and from the region via train.
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The Bathurst Rail Action Group was instrumental in lobbying the state government to launch the first Bathurst Bullet return service to Sydney on October 21, 2012, as well as the second service, which launched last year.
Rail Action Group chair John Hollis said both Bullet services have played a vital role in fostering greater accessibility between Bathurst and Sydney, as well as every community in between along the Western Line.
"It confirms the campaigning we did all those years ago has resulted in enhanced rail connectivity for the people of Bathurst which has, in turn, encouraged growth and tourism," Mr Hollis said.
"We see a very bright future for the Bullet program as a whole, and our main priorities in the near future will be discussions around the possibility of a third Bullet and how the Inland Rail project could benefit Bathurst through its connection to Parkes."
Mr Hollis said the Rail Action Network formed 15 years ago through Bathurst's Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association [CPSA] with a view to expand Bathurst's rail credentials.
Rail Action Network member Chris O'Rourke said the Bullet services has opened up a wealth of opportunities for residents to safely commute to Sydney.
"It's provided access for people who don't have a car or dislike driving in metropolitan traffic," Mr O'Rourke said.
"It might be a longer trip by rail than by car, but it's far less tiring and taxing on the human condition and you don't feel as worn out once you reach Sydney."
Fellow member Jo Shepherd said it has also improved accessibility for senior citizens travelling to Sydney for specialist appointments and social commitments.
"Prior to the Bullet, elderly people had to stay two nights in Sydney if they were travelling by rail, but the Bullet has made day trips much more possible," Ms Shepherd said.
Fellow member Lindsay Cox said the importance of Bathurst's Bullet service will only grow as regional populations expand into the future.
"A lot of people are moving out of metropolitan areas into the regions, so the demand for services will only grow in the coming years," Mr Cox said.
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