Local bus commuters are about to benefit from a new express route connecting Charlestown to the Newcastle Interchange.

It comes after Keolis Downer took on board customer and community feedback before updating the timetables to improve reliability, frequency and opening hours.

The latest schedule is also part of Transport for NSW’s expansion plans, which the company initiated to improve services from Lake Macquarie to the Newcastle CBD.

“Customers will see improved travel times between Charlestown and Newcastle with the new route 10X,” Keolis Downer Hunter general manager Emmanuel Genlot said.

“That’ll be added to timetables from April.

“This bus route will have limited stops, taking customers from Charlestown via City Road directly to the Newcastle Interchange, where they can connect with light rail and train services.

“The service will also benefit customers living in Newcastle and working in the Charlestown area.”

Mr Genlot said Charlestown was a key hub in the Newcastle Transport network with eight bus routes connecting into this express service.

“The precinct is one of the most popular bus interchanges in the area,” he explained.

“The new route will provide better access for customers travelling to the CBD from southern suburbs, such as Swansea and Belmont, and from areas in eastern Lake Macquarie including Valentine, Eleebana or Warners Bay.

“It’ll encourage commuters to leave their car at home, too, and enjoy improved travel times without the stress of finding a carpark.”

The latest timetable will operate every 30 minutes during the morning and afternoon peaks –adding an extra 90 services each week between the Charlestown and Newcastle interchanges.

10X will also service Marketown.

Along with the new express route, Newcastle Transport will undertake its annual service improvements in April.

“The network continues to perform well but there are always tweaks we can make to enhance the efficiency of the network for our customers,” Mr Genlot said.

“We are currently making the final changes to timetables and will consult with our drivers before information is released in March.

“We assure customers they will have plenty of time to check their trip prior to these improvements being implemented.”

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