JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - NEW SCHOOL BUS SERVICE FOR NORTH ROTHBURY

The Minns Labor Government is pleased to announce new morning and afternoon school bus services will be available in the Hunter region to transport students travelling between the growing North Rothbury area and Rutherford Technology High School.

Starting in Term 1, key service additions include a new morning service, school route S526, operated by Grace Coaches, which will run through North Rothbury, Branxton, Greta and Lochinvar before arriving at Rutherford Technology High School.  

A new afternoon service, also school route S526, operated by Grace Coaches, will start at Rutherford Technology High School and travel through Greta, Branxton and North Rothbury.

The introduction of these services will also bring changes to other services in the area. 

Students from Maitland Grossman High School and Maitland High School who previously used the S520 morning school service, provided by Grace Coaches, should now take CDC school route 2571 and transfer to the regular route 180 service at Rutherford Shopping Centre (Hillview Street).

In the afternoon, it is recommended that students board the school route 2194 CDC service for travel to Rutherford and Aberglasslyn. The CDC services are operated by Hunter Valley Buses. 

Also, students from Maitland Public School, St John the Baptist Primary School and All Saints College who previously took the Grace Coaches S520 school service will now be able to catch the CDC school services route 2712 in the morning and the 2194 service in the afternoon.  

These changes may also reduce passenger numbers on the 2452 route from Hunter Valley Grammar School to Maitland. Transport will continue to monitor and assess demand, making adjustments as necessary to meet passenger needs.

The school bus students travel on may be a CDC bus (operated by Hunter Valley Buses) or a Grace Coaches bus. If it is a CDC bus, students will need an Opal card. If it is a Grace Coaches bus, students will need a school travel pass.

Transport for NSW is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all affected families. Information about these changes will be shared through schools, parent and guardian communications and relevant local bus operators.

Transport for NSW encourages parents, students, and schools to review the updated schedules and routes to plan their journeys accordingly by visiting the Trip Planner website.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“These new and adjusted bus services show that we have listened to the needs and requests of our constituents in North Rothbury and surrounding areas.

“By taking action to improve access to local schools, we are helping students travel safely and conveniently to and from school every day, while also supporting our growing community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:

“This is a significant step forward by making school travel more convenient for students.

“These changes also give parents peace of mind knowing their children have well-coordinated travel option to and from school.”

MEDIA:

Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427540

Clayton Barr | 4991 1466