Buses are replacing trains between Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Bathurst due to bushfire damage to rail infrastructure.
The Blue Mountains rail line is likely to remain closed to most passenger trains for at least another two months between Lithgow and Mount Victoria due to extensive damage to power and signalling equipment.
Train passengers have been forced to catch replacement buses since December 21 after the Gospers Mountain fire destroyed signalling and other infrastructure along a 25-kilometre stretch of the line.
While a small number of diesel-powered passenger trains are expected to begin operating on the line later this month, it is likely to be two months before electric trains can run between Mount Victoria and Lithgow.
Buses are unable to access Bell and Zig Zag stations and those travelling to Bell or Zig Zag need to see station staff at Lithgow or Mount Victoria and allow extra time.
The damage includes large sections of the communications and signalling systems and 100 timber power poles and wires. About 200 trees next to the line will need to be removed or cut back due to the impact of fires.
