AFTER months of community lobbying, Berrima Bus Lines newest service, a weekend run to Colo Vale and Hill Top, finally arrived on Saturday- and it was only five minutes late.
The Berrima Bus Lines bus, driven by local driver John Napper, drew into the bus stop opposite Hill Top’s Village store for the first time on Saturday afternoon at 2.18, just five minutes later than scheduled.
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward was among the welcoming committee.
“It’s a terrific investment by Berrima Coach Lines in our local area, and done entirely without assistance from the state government” she said.
The service has four stops in Hill Top and one in Colo Vale for the greater convenience of residents.
“We now have two weekend services running each way between Hill Top, Colo Vale and Mittagong which will be a tremendous boost for those villages,” Ms Goward said.
“It means residents, including teenagers, can get into Mittagong on Saturday and Sunday mornings, or afternoons, and get home again in mid afternoon.”
“For people needing to shop, play sport or catch up with friends on the weekend these new services are a great boon.
“This will reduce the isolation of the villages and provide much needed opportunities for these residents to be part of the Southern Highlands community on weekends.”
Berrima Bus Lines has also recognised the growth of Bowral with a much more comprehensive service through east Bowral and weekend services to and from Berrima that should prove a boost for tourism in the town.
“It will mean residents in Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong can now catch a bus to Berrima on Saturdays and Sundays, poke around the shops, have lunch ( even a glass of wine) and come home, all by bus.
“It’s a huge step forward for us,” Ms Goward said.
Ms Goward has not been the only one lobbying on behalf of residents for extra services, the Wingecarribee Shire Transport Forum has also been active, and their recent discussion paper made a very strong case for additional weekend services from Hill Top and elsewhere.
Terry Oakes-Ash and the discussion paper’s author, Jodie Laing, say the new services will be well used, once local residents know they are there.
Berrima Bus Lines will have timetables in vandal-proof display cabinets by the end of October, posters will be distributed to shops throughout the shire and a letter box drop will ensure residents are well informed.
Hill Top General Store Manager, Paul Purdon, has offered to help with the timetable distribution in the village, which is a great gesture and should help get the service off to a strong start.
“Let’s hope the narrow road between Hill Top and Colo Vale doesn’t prove a problem with increased rifle range traffic as well as the bus services, and if it does the State Government will need to move quickly,” Ms Goward said.
“The residents of these two villages have finally been heard and Berrima Bus Lines will not be sorry.
“It’s up to residents to use it now, so welcome aboard”