Trial bus service from Jindabyne to Perisher and Thredbo has been extended three weeks until September 18.
More than 11,000 customers have used a trial bus service connecting Jindabyne with the Perisher and Thredbo snow resorts, prompting an extension of the service for an additional three weeks.
The trial which started on 1 July was due to finish after nine weeks on 28 August but had been extended due to demand.
Two separate bus routes will continue to service Perisher and Thredbo over the next three weeks, with the Perisher route then allowing customers to access Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow and Charlotte Pass.
Peak morning services from Jindabyne run every 30 minutes from 6am to 10am with similar intervals for the return journey in the afternoons from 2pm to 6.30pm. Offpeak services will run 60 minutes apart from 10am to 2pm.
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said the 2022 trial of the Snowy Mountains Bus Service was due to finish this weekend but due to the bumper season the trial was being extended.
“We knew this season was set to be a big one so the trial came at the right time, but its popularity has exceeded our expectations which is fantastic news,” Mrs Overall said.
“There has been a lot of positive feedback about the trial so far which is why we’re extending the service another three weeks until September 18. As the ski season wraps up we want to make sure people can get to and from the snow easily.”
Minister for regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the bus service has been a welcomed addition for a large number of visitors making the most of the season.
“This service has provided safer journeys for visitors reducing the number of motorists on Alpine Roads during peak periods,” Mr Farraway said.
“Getting to and from the snow can be a challenge during winter and we wanted to make it easier for locals and visitors so it has been great to see the trial succeed.”
Adults have made up 71 per cent of customers, with children, students and pensioners making up the remaining passengers.
Trips on Saturday and Sunday have been the most popular, with about 65 per cent of customers heading to Perisher and the remainder using the Thredbo service.
The public transport fare for an adult is $20 return when pre-booked and paid online, or $10 one way. The child/concession fare is $10 return or $5 one way. All fares are inclusive of the Kosciuszko National Park entry fee.
Customers may buy a single one-way ticket on the day of travel, but only if there is capacity on the bus, so online bookings are advised.
Buses have provisions to carry ski equipment and a small day pack to and from the snow fields. Any customers staying at resorts may also bring one bag weighing up to 20 kilograms but are encouraged to use off-peak services in the middle of the day.
Customers can pre-book their bus tickets online here.
