The train arrived at Lithgow train station at 11.17am on Monday morning after leaving Central station a 8.50am. The express leaves Lithgow to Central at 1.18pm. 

With limited stops the fast train aims to give regional rail customers in Lithgow a better transport deal, said Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.

“This is about giving more choices for people here in the Lithgow area, making transport opportunities better for people living here in the country,” he said.

Express train travel will be available throughout the week and on weekends in the district, linking up with coach services. 

The Lithgow Express service will also allow Lithgow train customers to have direct express access to health services at Westmead hospital. 

“This is about improving medical services for people here in this area,” said Bathurst MP Paul Toole.

Mayor Stephen Lesslie welcomed the service with open arms and said one of the advantages Lithgow has compared to other regional centres is its proximity to Sydney. 

“This train is a great benefit and adds to the potential of our town,” he said. 

“Ideally, people will use the train to get on early in Sydney  for the purpose of coming to Lithgow and staying a few days here and then catching the train in the afternoon to go home.”

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“An ideal purpose of the new service is to attract people from Sydney to use the train. To take full advantage of visiting Lithgow,” the council’s tourism manager Simon Francis said.

“In time we would like to increase the transport services from the station to the different attractions around Lithgow.”