In what the Minister for Roads and Transport, Paul Toole, described as one of the first of its kind in regional NSW, a transit lounge has been opened in Parkes.
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The lounge was officially unveiled at Neighbourhood Central on July 26 and is designed as a space for travellers to relax while they wait to start the next leg of their journey.
Neighbourhood Central has been providing transport services through Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin Community Transport since 1990.
"Last year alone there was something like 17,000 trips and 332,000 kilometres travelled from this centre," Minister Toole said.
"The transit lounge makes a big difference for people in this region who don't have the same level of connectivity as we see in some of the metropolitan areas.
"This is a relaxing, comfortable space where people can stopover before taking their next mode of transport."
Neighbourhood Central Chairperson and Deputy Mayor of Parkes Barbara Newton said transport is vital to the centre.
"This organisation travels many kilometres for people who don't have family and don't have the ability to transport themselves," she said.
"Community Transport enables them to live independently, live where they want to live and live their lives to the fullest.
"Often transport is for medical appointments and services, but it's not always the case.
"It is also for them to be able to participate in social activities and without community transport it would be impossible for many to do that."
Executive Officer Pam Symonds said Neighbourhood Central Community Transport links with other transport services including Condobolin, Peak Hill, Forbes and Lake Cargelligo Community Transports, TrainLink, Parkes Taxis, Western Road Liners and Regional Express Airlines (REX).
"We have negotiated subsided rates with REX to fly clients to Sydney," Pam said.
"It is far more efficient and cost effective for our clients, who may be very unwell.
"They can leave here at 6am or 10am, fly down to Sydney for their medical appointments and be met by Country Care Link which is also a volunteer service.
"They'll pick them up from the airport, take them to their appointments, deliver them back to the airport, and they can be back in their home by 8.30pm at the latest."
Pam said the need was identified for a place for passengers having to interchange between service providers to wait in comfort.
"We put together a proposal, lodged it with the Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme and were successful in securing funding of $55,000 for the project," Pam said.
Community Transport currently has 135 volunteer drivers, something Member for Orange Phil Donato said he is very impressed with.
"Thank you to the volunteers who do a fantastic job, driving across the Central West collecting passengers, sharing their highs and lows and having input into their lives," he said.
"Not only as drivers, but also as mentors, friends, counsellors - someone to talk to and listen to during those long journeys."
The location of Neighbourhood Central in the CBD provides convenient access to shops and other service providers for passengers using the lounge.
It includes a small kitchenette with tea and coffee making facilities, lounges, a television and internet access.
Subsidised hot meals are available for passengers waiting at lunch time.
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