Are you tired of the increasing costs and unreliable flights for regional travel? Is the Bus too cramped or not running often enough to meet your needs?

It’s time we push for an alternative—affordable and reliable rail travel between South Australia and New South Wales, specifically routes like Broken Hill to Adelaide. With the pending retirement of the XPT trains in NSW, there’s a unique opportunity to restore regular rail services to benefit regional towns, tourism, and local economies.

We have a sample letter ready for you to send to your local Member of Parliament (or another relevant State representative) to make your voice heard. You can use the letter as-is, tailor it to your personal perspective, or create your own version. The more people who get involved, the more likely we are to see action!

Key points:

REX Airlines’ financial uncertainty is impacting the reliability and cost of regional flights.

A government partnership between South Australia and NSW could bring back regular daily rail services.

Tourism and local businesses would benefit from better transport options, creating more economic opportunities for regional communities.

Leasing or repurposing retired XPT trains or similar rolling stock would be a cost-effective solution to reintroduce services.

This is our chance to improve regional connectivity, provide a reliable alternative to flights, and reduce road traffic. Rail is a more sustainable and affordable option, but we need your help to make it a reality.

Take Action:

1. Modify the letter below.

2. Send it to your local MP, or any other relevant State MP you think can make a difference.

3. Share this petition with your friends and family to encourage them to get involved too!

Together, we can push for a better-connected South Australia and bring back the regional rail services we need.

Download the Letter

Let’s get this conversation started and push for real change!

Request for Restoration of Rail Travel Between South Australia and New South Wales

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Date]

[Local Member’s Name]
[Address of Local Member’s Office]
[City, State, Postcode]

Dear [Local Member’s Name],

Re: Restoration and Expansion of Rail Travel in South Australia and NSW

I am writing to request your support in advocating for the restoration and improvement of rail services between South Australia and New South Wales, particularly to benefit regional areas such as Broken Hill and the route to Adelaide. This initiative could provide much-needed relief to communities that have been affected by the ongoing disruptions in air travel, including the recent financial uncertainty surrounding REX Airlines, which has created both cost and reliability concerns for regional flights.

Given the pending retirement of the XPT train sets as part of the NSW Regional Rail Replacement program, there is a timely opportunity for South Australia to collaborate with NSW to restore affordable and reliable rail connections. The retired XPT train sets, or similar rolling stock from other states, could be leased or repurposed for regional routes in South Australia. This would allow for the reintroduction of daily rail services between Adelaide, Broken Hill, and potentially other key regional towns, revitalizing rail travel as a sustainable and accessible alternative to flights and long-distance driving.

Notably, the last regular Budd Car service in South Australia ceased in 1986. Similarly, the Silver City Commet between Sydney and Broken Hill, ended in the early 2000s. Since then, regional rail connectivity has not been adequately replaced, leaving many areas with limited transport options. Restoring these services would offer regional residents and tourists alike a reliable and affordable means of travel.

Rail services are crucial not only for residents but also for tourism. A well-planned and cost-effective rail network would make day trips and overnight stays feasible, increasing the number of tourists visiting regional areas and stimulating local economies. We believe that government intervention is essential to ensure that these services remain affordable and frequent, with the potential for both state governments to partner on this initiative.

Further benefits include the potential for improved safety, reduced road congestion, and a positive environmental impact through lower carbon emissions compared to road and air travel. In line with the broader goals of reducing our carbon footprint, rail electrification could be considered in the long term to modernize and future-proof the transport network.

A cooperative government-led initiative between South Australia and New South Wales would represent a win for regional communities and provide long-overdue improvements in rail connectivity. I urge you to champion this proposal, in light of the broader context of transport reform, affordability, and sustainability.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]