A long discussed bus link from Conargo will be launched tomorrow.
It will run on Wednesdays only and will link in with the day return service to Echuca-Moama, and therefore the Melbourne Tullamarine and Southern Cross Station bus services.
Edward River Council Mayor Norm Brennan encouraged people to utilise the service, which will be reviewed after six months.
‘‘I’m a big supporter of any increase on public transport in our region, and this service is a bonus,’’ Cr Brennan said.
‘‘It opens up options for day trips to Echuca and also an option for those who may not be able to drive to get from Conargo to Melbourne.
‘‘A lot of people in our region need to get to Melbourne for various reasons like health appointments and to visit family.
‘‘Now they won’t need to worry so much about how they’re going to get there.’’
Conargo resident Colin Bull agreed the new service can only be ‘‘good for the area’’.
He said he and his wife Marg personally use the Melbourne service regularly, and he said being able to access the city directly from Conargo would be of benefit.
Mr Bull said there may be some small logistical issues that will need to be ironed out, but starting the service would be the only way to do that effectively.
‘‘There is a lot of potential for this service, and we can only hope people will see the value and use it,’’ he said.
‘‘Where people leave their cars for the day might be a bit of an issue, but I’m sure that is something that we can work out quite easily.
‘‘The service will be reviewed, and given the Coronavirus I only hope the government will persevere long enough to get a real picture of the service.
‘‘They need to be sensible about the figures to start with given people are not travelling as much as they normally would.’’
The Conargo to Echuca service — which includes stops in Deniliquin, Mathoura and Moama — will be provided by Dyson Group, which recently expanded in to Deniliquin.
The service will be wheelchair accessible.
The Conargo service is one of six new bus routes being introduced across the state, and feedback will be assessed during a six month trial. Any changes will be communicated with the community.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new bus services are about offering travel choices and better connectivity to small communities.
‘‘We know extra services like this aren’t just about getting people from A to B – it can also be the difference between the ease of getting to important medical appointments, getting groceries, and staying connected to family and friends in outlying towns,’’ he said.
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