The popular community named Wilba could become a permanent source for transport on Bourke’s streets.

The state government has announced funding that will extend the trial of the public transport service. 

The Western Plains App understands that Wilba, the Empower bus, has so far carried out more than 2,000 trips in its first 12 months of operation. This has enabled hundreds of local residents to access safe and reliable transport in a town with no other public transport options.  

The 12-seater bus service provides a vital link to other major regional and metropolitan service centres by giving residents easier access to Bourke Airport and NSW TrainLink coaches.  

“Bourke residents love the Wilba service; it’s been a real success,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said.  

“Wilba has had a huge impact on this town and the stories I’ve heard about the significant difference the service has made demonstrate exactly what public transport should be all about.  

Image: Facebook 

While Bourke Shire Council General Manager Leonie Brown said:  “Wilba has provided fantastic opportunities for our community which had been without public and community transport for a long time.  

“People who were previously housebound or left to rely on the goodwill of others can now get out and about to the pharmacy, shops, medical and health appointments, and to social and recreational events” she said. 

Jenny Aitchison. Image: Supplied. 

Bourke resident Carissa Edwards said uses Wilba every day to go shopping. 

"We have no taxis in Bourke and it can be very hard because my family doesn't have a car so Wilba gets us from A to B” she said. 

Ms Edwards said that before Wilga started she had ring people or ask around to do do shopping. 

“Wilba has made the biggest difference to my life and my family's lives.  

"One thing I would like to see, though, is some shading at the bus stop where they pick us up. It can be very hot waiting there with all our groceries, especially in 40-degree heat” she added.