Bourke residents will have access to a community bus for the next two weeks.

After an unexpected six-week absence, the LiveBetter community bus got back on the road yesterday (19 December) and will be available for two-days per week over the next fortnight.

Residents were left without the service when the former operator of the Wilba the Empowerbus service chose to end the contract with Transport for NSW in November.  

Since then, Transport for NSW has worked to establish a temporary service for the community. 

“We are aware that residents living in remote areas with minimal transport options have less choice about when, where and how they travel,” Transport for NSW Acting Director West Holly Davies said.  

“When the Wilba service ceased operations in November, finding a temporary solution became a priority.  

“We thank LiveBetter for its cooperation in getting the service back on the streets of Bourke.” 

LiveBetter will operate a 12-seater bus providing a flexible transport service for the communities of Bourke, North Bourke and Alice Edwards Village. 

The service will be a pre-booked, reliable and accessible service aligning with connecting transport services, such as the NSW TrainLink coach on Friday mornings and flights in and out of Bourke Airport, where possible. 

Transport for NSW is reviewing all transport service options for the Bourke community and will continue to consult with the local council and community members.

“We’re very aware that residents living in remote areas with minimal transport options have less choice about when, where and how they travel,” Mrs Davies said.

“Transport insecurity is more pronounced in remote communities and is consistently identified as a factor that restricts Australian families’ capacity to access services and participate in activities,” she said. 

New service

From today, the trial service will operate from 10.30am to 5pm on Thursdays, and from 8.30am to 2.30pm on Fridays. All trips must be pre-booked by phoning 02 6391 2433. 

No service will be available on Boxing Day, Thursday 26 December, and reduced services will be available on Friday 27 December, from 10.30am to 2.30pm. 

Fares start from only $1.15 for concession card holders one way, or $2.50 for the RED ticket all day, and children under five years will travel for free when accompanied by a parent or carer.