In what has been described as an “unusual but welcome” change, residents on the Goulburn to Central Station weekday train service will see earlier departure and slower journey times in a last-minute adjustment.
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For Goulburn, the November 26 timetable will mean an earlier departure time with trains leaving at 7.34am instead of 7.49am. From Central to Goulburn, residents will be able to arrive in town at 7.13pm instead of 7.19pm.
The journey time from Goulburn to Central only increases by two minutes, and from Central to Goulburn there is a six minute reduction to the service.
Southern Tablelands Rail Users Group (STRUG) president Greg Price said it was unusual to change the timetable so close to the rollout.
“Every time there’s been a change to the timetable in the past, it is less usable for the people and it becomes less of an option. I’m happy to see Pru got some changes. At least we’re getting it earlier, not later, which is what the original proposal was,” he said.
MP Pru Goward described the changes as a great achievement given the overwhelming metropolitan train network. But these aren’t the only changes Ms Goward is pushing, she hopes consultation groups will support a further push back of 6.40am departure times from Goulburn station.
“People who want to go to Sydney at around 9.30am or want to commute to Campbelltown or the Highlands could take the 6.40am train,” she said.
“I wasn’t happy with 7.49am time from Goulburn to Central put in the Operator Draft timetable. I got very frustrated and made it clear to Minister for Transport Andrew Constance. I am really pleased they were able to respond so positively. The community feels strongly about this and I’m committed to making their voices heard.”
On average she said about 30 people from Goulburn use this service, by Moss Vale this number reaches about 50.
Mr Price said a large number of train goers are elderly residents who travel to Sydney for medical appointments.
“Most people would be happy with an earlier time,” he said.
The Operator Draft timetable was released by Transport for NSW in August.