The NSW Labor Government is making it easier than ever for snow lovers to make the most of the ski season this year with an expansion of the Snowy Mountains bus service and roll out of a new SMS alert service.
Tickets are now on sale for the popular Snowy Mountains bus service, which is being expanded this year to include a Cooma via Berridale to Jindabyne service.
The service, which continues to grow in popularity and carried out more than 80,000 passenger journeys completed in 2023, will this year run from 8 June to 6 October. Extra services will also be available during school holidays.
As part of the NSW Labor Government’s efforts to improve the ski season experience for all road users, Transport for NSW has also introduced a subscription-based SMS service that will send alerts when Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way need to close due to parking at the ski fields reaching capacity.
Customers who subscribe to the service will receive three text messages to alert them of road closures, before, during and after the closures are in place.
Minister for Skills. TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
“The Snowy Mountains bus service is as a safe and affordable alternative to driving, and has steadily grown in popularity, with 95 per cent of passengers surveyed last year saying they would use the service again.
“This year we are excited expand the reach of this popular service and add a new initiative that will deliver important real-time messaging directly to customers when they need it most.
“Locals and regular snow visitors will know the frustration of arriving at the Kosciusko Road and Alpine Way intersection, only to be turned around. This new SMS alert system will now allow them to make more informed travel decisions before departure.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Snowy Mountains Bus allows a stress-free journey to the snow fields for snow goers. The service allows motorists, who might not be experienced in driving in alpine conditions, an alternative to ensure their families make it safely to the snow fields.
“Increased services in 2023 led to improved safety, reliability and social and economic outcomes, and contributed to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow, a reduction in road incidents and reduction in vehicle recoveries performed in the alpine area.
“The NSW Labor Government is proud to invest in this new SMS alert service that gives motorists another tool they can use to better plan their journeys and avoid being inconvenienced this snow season.
“Importantly, this service has been developed in response to feedback from motorists who told Transport for NSW they needed more notice of closures. I’m pleased we’re acting on that feedback and delivering an improved service that will benefit all road users.”
