Travel on the popular Taree-Forster to Newcastle via The Lakes Way run is about to get a little more comfortable after Busways took delivery of three custom built coaches for the route.
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Purchased for a cost of just under $1.5 million, the Volvo manufactured buses can carry up to 48 passengers, have wheelchair access, seatbelts, under vehicle luggage storage bins, on-board toilets, air-conditioning and USB charge points.
The fleet was unveiled by Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead during an informal ceremony at the Little Street, Forster bus stop on Tuesday, September 1 before the first run Wednesday, September 2.
"The arrival of these coaches is great news for local commuters," Mr Bromhead said.
He said the coaches would deliver a consistent and reliable service and at the same time provide comfort for long distance travel.
"These coaches are what the people of Myall Lakes asked for and I'm happy I could make it a reality.
"I'm confident trips between Taree, Forster and Newcastle will now be a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all."
Busways head of assets, Chris Wolf said the coaches, specifically designed for the route, offered the whole package.
"We are all about passenger comfort and safety," Mr Wolf said.
Busways regional operations support manager, Mark Lawrence highlighted the benefits for customers.
We felt the previous buses were just standard school buses.
- Alf Irvine
"This is a great example of Busways and Transport NSW working together in partnership to listen to the community, understand their needs and deliver a great outcome for passengers on these routes.
"We look forward to seeing our customers enjoying their journey on board these coaches," he said.
Golden Ponds Retirement Resort, Forster resident and regular Busways commuter, Alf Irvine, who was the driving force behind the move to get new buses, said he was delighted with the new fleet of coaches.
"We didn't have the necessary facilities - on-board toilets and port storage - on the previous buses," Mr Irvine said.
"We felt the previous buses were just standard school buses."
Standing at 185cm in his bare feet, Mr Irvine said the configuration of the new coaches allowed everyone to sit in comfort and safety.
On behalf of the Golden Ponds residents, who regularly take advantage of the daily Newcastle commute, Mr Irvine extended his thanks to Mr Bromhead who had lobbied on their behalf for the new buses.
"These are absolutely brilliant."
Forster taekwondo legend and Ninja Nannies trainer, Fay Shacklock also lobbied the local member for new buses, collecting more than 1000 signatures from local users.
"I nearly drove Steve mad," she said.
"I train a lot of seniors and they were concerned there was no toilet on the buses; some carry heavy bags and had to lift them onto the bus."
Bushways driver, Mick Sweeney described the retired Taree-Forster-Newcastle fleet as city buses for a county run.
"We had no bins for the luggage, there was no leg room; we had to put luggage in the wheelchair (storage) area."
The new coaches begin their run on Wednesday, September 2.
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