The NSW Government is to purchase 50 new articulated (bendy) and 10 new double-decker buses to address the ongoing bus service delays and cancellations on the Northern Beaches.
The announcement on 12 March was welcomed by Wakehurst Independent MP Michael Regan, who has been pushing for urgent and immediate action to address the growing transport crisis in our region.
“This is a huge win for our community. I spoke with the Minister directly and called on him to urgently invest in our bus network. I followed it up with daily calls to the Premiers Office. I’m pleased to see that the government has listened and is now committing to strong solutions.” Mr Regan said.
“We’re getting an immediate injection of 10 new double-decker buses, which will be deployed straight to the B-Line routes (Region 8) and should see some to the Forest (Region 14),” said Mr Regan. “An additional 50 bendy buses will help boost the fleet, particularly in the Forest region, where population growth is set to place more pressure on existing unreliable services.”
The Beaches area was hard hit by the removal of more than 40 bendy buses in October 2024 due to cracks in their turning plates, some of which are expected back into service from April.
The new buses announced on 12 March will be accompanied by new standard-sized Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs) that are due to be rolled out in the area over the next 12 months.
John Graham, Minister for Transport, acknowledged how difficult it has been for Beaches passengers.
“Our drivers have been doing their best, but the fleet shortage has meant many services haven’t been up to scratch,” said Mr Graham.
“As these additional high-capacity buses and repaired articulated buses enter service over the next 12 months this will mean fewer disruptions, improved reliability and bus services that better meet the needs of the people who rely on them.”
“The rollout will be prioritised to the areas of greatest need,” said Mr Graham. “We should start to see the 50 new articulated buses on the road progressively.”
