Westrail Geraldton-Meekatharra road coach service to double in frequency

8/7/94

Westrail's road coach service between Geraldton and Meekatharra is to double in frequency next month.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today Westrail would provide a twice weekly service between the two centres, greatly improving public transport convenience in the Murchison region.

The new service is in line with recommendations from the recent task force review into Westrail's road coach operations, headed by National Party backbencher Murray Criddle.

It will begin on August 24 for a six-month trial period.

"The present weekly service in the Murchison has limited appeal as those wanting a return ticket are forced to spend six to eight nights in either Geraldton or Meekatharra waiting for the next bus," Mr Charlton said.

"More people are expected to take advantage of travelling between the two centres once they know they can shorten their stay.

"This improved frequency in service will benefit local communities, providing access to the main regional centre of Geraldton for business, medical, employment and shopping.

"The start up of the extra weekly service also coincides with the wildflower season, further boosting tourism opportunities."

Greater integration with the tourism industry by Westrail's coach operations was a key recommendation of the Criddle report.

Under new scheduling arrangements in the Murchison, coach services would leave Geraldton for Meekatharra on Mondays and Wednesdays and depart Meekatharra on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Some services would connect with Perth services at Geraldton and Mullewa.

"The extra cost of providing this new service is assessed at $1,300 per round trip," Mr Charlton said.

"Westrail has been able to organise the additional service using existing resources, but it is important that people use the extra coaches, hence the need for a trial period of six months."

Mr Charlton said extra road coach services were planned for the south coastal areas of the State and would be announced soon.

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