Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has announced new services for the Hunter line starting early next year. 

“As the local member of parliament my job was to listen to our Singleton community and represent their needs to the Minister of Transport and the government,” Mr Johnsen said.

“As a result of my lobbying, and the efforts of many in our local community, the [NSW government] have listened to the community and will be introducing these services.

“The NSW government has had very productive talks with Singleton council and the Two More Trains for Singleton group. These relationships are a fantastic example of what can happen when we all work together to get a positive outcome.”  

A commitment has also been made to implement a late night service from Newcastle back to Singleton. 

Currently, the last Monday to Friday service from Newcastle departs at 5.59pm, arriving to Singleton at 7.04pm. 

“A later evening service to Singleton will also enable customers returning to Singleton from Sydney to leave Sydney later in the afternoon,” Mr Johnsen said. 

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Only four return services depart Singleton for Newcastle each weekday, two in the morning and two at night.

There is a large eight-hour gap in between, which is what the action group had been campaigning to fill. 

“It’s about the frequency of trains,” Martin Falldings, of Two More Trains for Singleton, told the Newcastle Herald on Thursday.

“This really is confirming that Transport for NSW as a department is committed to, and believes it can provide, those additional services.

“They are still working through the details with the Australian Rail Track Corporation about the exact times … but they are very confident that can be done.” 

Mr Falldings said it was a “pretty significant step forward” after years of campaigning, but stressed improving train and bus connectivity for transfers off the additional services would be essential for patronage. 

The extra services will be implemented on a 12-month use-it or lose-it basis, Mr Johnsen said.