News
2 July, 2026
Bus cuts derail commuters
Commuters travelling between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast have been hit by a major overhaul of the NSW TrainLink coach timetable, with two early morning services disappearing yesterday.
Commuters travelling between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast have been hit by a major overhaul of the NSW TrainLink coach timetable, with two early morning services disappearing yesterday.
Under the previous timetable, four daily services travelled from the Southern Highlands to Wollongong, including departures from Moss Vale at 5.10am, 2.40pm and 6.20pm, along with a 6.30am service departing Bundanoon via Exeter, Moss Vale, Bowral, Burrawang and Robertson.
The two early morning services have now been replaced with a single 9.30am departure, significantly reducing early public transport options for commuters travelling to the Illawarra.
For more than two decades, the 5.10am coach met the overnight Melbourne XPT at Moss Vale, allowing passengers to continue directly to Wollongong. Those passengers may now have a two hour wait for the 930am bus.
In comments shared with The Southern Wire, Michael Sinclair, who drives buses on the route reached out to 2ST broadcaster Graeme Day. Mr Sinclair said he was concerned passengers had received little notice of the timetable changes.
"My concern is that there has been little to no notification to the Southern Highlands community, or to anyone else, about the change in the early morning rail coach services," Mr Sinclair said.
Mr Sinclair also questioned the State Government on the changes
"I understood the intent of government was to improve the Southern Highlands rail service. I am not sure how this new rail coach timetable does that," he said.
The changes are expected to affect commuters, students, medical appointments and passengers connecting with long-distance rail services.
The Southern Wire has contacted Transport for NSW seeking details on why the timetable was changed, what consultation or public notification was undertaken, whether passenger demand was considered, and what alternative arrangements are available for passengers previously using the early morning services.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman is encouraging anyone affected to “share their experiences with my office."
Mrs Tuckerman did not have any notice of the changes by the State Government and is “seeking urgent clarification from Transport NSW.”
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan MP is also seeking further information from Transport NSW.
Mr Sinclair is scheduled to speak to Graeme Day on Radio 2ST after 11am this morning (2 July 2026).
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