The State Government announced that funding would be provided through the Transport Connections Flexible Fund for the 18-month bus trial.

The bus linkage will help local residents and commuters from Ballarat and Melbourne to easily travel to Ararat Correctional Centre for visitation purposes on weekends.

The bus link is particularly timely in respect to the prison expansion due to begin next year.

The bus service was formally trialed by Christians Bus Service for five months, with the support of the Ararat Correctional Centre, Department of Transport, Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Connections (GPFTC) Project for the Grampians Pyrenees Regional Development Board and the local Community Advisory Group for the Ararat Correctional Precinct Development.

The program initially came about when Christians and CAG realised they were both working towards the same goal after each receiving requests for a service of this type from prison visitors.

''CAG identified a need after consulting with visitors to the prison,'' chairperson of CAG Russell Rachinger said.

''We co-ordinated letters from all the churches to support the project and also got the families of prisoners to write letters about how much they needed the service.''

Jeannette Sharp from Christians said they started a three month trial in March, which was well supported.

''Barry (Christian) saw a need for it and it was so well patronised in that first three months he continued it for another two months,'' she said.

The team at Christians Bus Company, in collaboration with GPFTC project co-ordinator Robyn Hemley, then secured State Government funding to continue the trial service in response to patronage demand.

''This is a great example of how regional transport stakeholders are tapping into the project to create new and affordable transport solutions for the local community,'' said Ms Hemley.

Already there has been a great response from service users.

''A number of people have come back to us now and said it has been great,'' Ms Sharp said.

Mr Rachinger agreed saying last month 60 people used the service, with an average of 15 patrons each time.

Bus fares are $2 for adults and $1 concession one way. For more information about this service or to make a booking, please contact Christians Bus Service on 5352 1501. Timetables are available from Ararat Railway Station, Ararat Visitor Information Centre, Christians Bus Service and at www.grampianspyrenees.com.au.