Residents have been demanding a mid-week train service from Griffith to Sydney for years, and now state and local government have come on board with the idea.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This week the NSW government have announced plans for a new midweek train that will double the number of weekly services from one to two.
The idea will be put to the community in early February, when residents will be asked what times suit them best.
At the moment they are considering a Sydney-bound service for either a Thursday or Friday and a Griffith-bound service on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on feedback.
The new train service is scheduled for the second half of next year.
The news comes to the delight of Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association Griffith president Peter Knox, who has spent years campaigning for a midweek service.
He has been railing against the lack of train services, which had often left those without a car stranded in Sydney until the next train came one week later.
Mr Knox’s 1000 signature petition for an additional train service was put to the NSW Transport Minister by Member for Murray Austin Evans, who said the new service was a much needed addition.
“This is a win for the Riverina and all part of our commitment to provide better transport links for regional communities,” Mr Evans said.
“With more choice and flexibility for direct train travel, customers from Sydney could enjoy a long weekend in Griffith, providing a boost to the local economy while customers heading to Sydney can plan two or three day stays during the week.”
Griffith City Council mayor John Dal Broi was delighted to hear the news, having long been an advocate for more train services.