Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian says there will be a bus waiting at Hamilton Station for every train during peak periods, and buses will run every 15 minutes during off-peak.
She's also assured passengers that they won't have to pay extra for the bus shuttle service, which will operate during the two years it will take to build the Wickham interchange and install light rail along Hunter St.
"The bus services will follow the train pattern, so it will be a service completely connecting to and supporting the train network," the Minister says.
"Our plan is to make sure that there's a bus waiting every time a train arrives, and conversely there's a train there every time a bus gets to the station.
"So this is about making the connections as smooth as possible until we get the Wickham interchange up and running and the light rail in the city."
The shuttle buses will operate on top of existing services, but won't start until January 5 to allow for upgrading work at Hamilton station to improve access and shelter.
During the period from Boxing Day until January 5, buses will leave from Broadmeadow railway station but won't stop at Hamilton.
Ms Berejiklian says it's been quite complex to ensure the extra buses and drivers are available, that the buses are accessible to the disabled and have room for surfboards and luggage.
The buses will service sheltered stops at Hamilton, Wickham, Civic and Newcastle stations, as well as Queens Wharf.
"I don't apologise for taking our time to get the planning right," she says.
"Because I'd rather get it right than have people inconvenienced.
"Whether you're a motorist, whether you're a pedestrian, whether you're someone catching a train or bus, the city will keep moving."
The Transport Minister says she's confident the arrangements will work well.
"Obviously we'll also be open to tweaking our plans if necessary, but we're convinced that for day one, this is the best plan available," she says.
And she's dismissed concerns that the government will abandon light-rail plans and rely on shuttle buses permanently.
"That won't occur, because we'll start major construction work on the light rail by the end of next year," Ms Berejiklian says.
"We've already started the process for light rail in Newcastle."
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian spoke to Jill Emberson on 1233 ABC Newcastle Mornings.
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