Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen announced on Wednesday that the NSW Government would deliver up to three additional return services from Singleton to Newcastle. 

He said the matter had been the subject of much consideration by the department and discussion with the community for some time.

And, thanks to the hard work of many, it was now becoming a reality.

“This follows a decade-long campaign by Two More Trains for Singleton and the support of Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen and Singleton Council,” group spokesperson Martin Fallding said.

“Additional services will especially benefit school and university students, travel for medical appointments, and Sydney connections.

“Singleton is only one hour by train from the Newcastle CBD.

“And, if this promise is delivered, it represents a significant step in addressing the deficiency of services to Singleton.”

Public transport accessibility and train patronage in the region was significantly reduced when the NSW Government closed the railway line between Hamilton and Newcastle on Boxing Day 2014.

The proposed additional services to Singleton will partially compensate Upper Hunter train users for this loss.

“Additional matters such as a seven-day week timetable, improved connections to Sydney trains and Newcastle buses, and Opal ticketing on regional train services remain on the agenda for future attention by the NSW Government,” Mr Fallding said.

Mr Johnsen added his job was to listen to the Singleton community and represent their needs to the Minister of Transport and the government.

“As a result of my lobbying, and the efforts of many in our local community, the government has listened to them and will be introducing these services,” he said. 

“I am proud of the fact we have introduced 30,000 additional public transport services across our state, and this will be yet another example of how your government is delivering better outcomes for local communities.

“The NSW Government has had very productive talks with Singleton Council and the Two More Trains for Singleton group. 

“These relationships are a fantastic example of what can happen when we all work together to get a positive outcome.”

There are currently four weekday return services from Singleton to Newcastle Interchange, and two weekend services. 

Transport for NSW is looking at options that will bridge the current interval in daytime journeys through additional services. 

Mr Johnsen revealed options under consideration for the “12-month use it or lose it” would bring more travel opportunities during the middle of the day and later in the evening. 

“By providing greater choice and frequency, rail services will become more attractive to more customers who make day return trips to Maitland and Newcastle,” he said.

“A later evening service to Singleton will also enable customers returning to Singleton from Sydney to leave Sydney later in the afternoon.

“This is yet another example of the government doing the hard work, so we can deliver for rural and regional NSW.”

Transport for NSW is also looking at ways to improve weekend services to better align with customer needs.

Planning work for the new passenger services is underway with the Australian Government’s Australian Rail Track Corporation to ensure these services can be provided without disrupting important freight and coal supply-chain movements in the Hunter Valley.

Services will begin early next year.