The Minns Labor Government is continuing to support Blue Mountains communities impacted by the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway, with more than 6,000 trips now taken on the free coach shuttle and a new stop at Zig Zag Railway to be introduced from August. 

NSW TrainLink is currently operating 13 daily free coach services between Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Bathurst, averaging around 300 passenger journeys each week with numbers continuing to grow. 

From August, a new stop at the Zig Zag Railway will be introduced along the route of the free shuttle services, which will provide more options to get around for locals and tourists. 

These coach services are fully accessible and operate alongside enhanced train services to boost public transport options across the Blue Mountains and Central West, - while work continues to restore the highway. 

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said:  

“The closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway and the detour in place has meant longer journeys, detours and changed routines for many residents and businesses - that’s why these free coach services matter. 

“These coach shuttles provide another travel option, helping take some of the pressure off local trips and longer journeys across the region. 

“Six-thousand trips on these coaches adds up to more than 1,300 fewer private vehicle journeys – reducing strain and improving safety on the detour route.  

“The free coach services operating between Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Bathurst – and soon with the addition of a stop at Zig Zag - offer a reliable way to travel, whether it’s for work, appointments or getting around day to day. 

“Many passengers are now becoming regular riders, building the service into their weekly routine, whether that’s commuting, running errands or linking up with train services across the network.” 

Locals and tourists are advised to use Trip Planner to plan their journeys on the free coach shuttle, including the option from August to get on and off at Zig Zag Railway or to find new Sydney Trains timetables for Blue Mountains Line and Bathurst services at  transportnsw.info/trip-planner   

For the latest information on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, including NSW TrainLink extra service timetable visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/gwhvictoriapass   

Find out more about NSW TrainLink booked coach and XPT services between Sydney and the Central West at transportnsw.info/regional-travel 

MEDIA: Mia Smith | Minister Aitchison | 0455 285 435 

MEDIA: Brenda Cunningham-Lewis | Trish Doyle MP (02) 4751 3298 [email protected]