Higher-capacity bendy buses are beginning to return to Sydney’s roads as part of a NSW government investment aimed at easing pressure on the city’s busiest bus routes.
The first of 50 new articulated buses has entered service, with the fleet expansion forming part of a $56 million investment to strengthen capacity across the network.
Articulated buses can carry around 50 per cent more passengers than standard buses, making them particularly suited to high-demand corridors where passenger numbers and frequent stops can slow services.
When all 50 new vehicles are delivered, the additional capacity will be equivalent to adding around 75 standard buses to the network.
The new vehicles will complement 83 articulated buses that were withdrawn in late 2024 for structural repairs and are now progressively returning to service.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australasia’s bus and coach industry
- Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly ABC magazine
Transport authorities say the temporary removal of the vehicles placed additional pressure on peak-hour services, school routes and other high-demand corridors across Sydney.
The first new Scania-Volgren articulated bus has entered service in Sydney’s north-west before joining the expanded 500X service between Parramatta and Ryde.
The route expansion restores the former M52 service corridor and is expected to improve connections between key employment and residential areas.
Additional articulated buses will also be deployed on the 333 service between the Sydney CBD and Bondi Beach, widely regarded as Australia’s busiest bus route.
NSW transport minister John Graham said higher-capacity vehicles play an important role in improving service reliability and reducing congestion at busy stops.
“Longer buses mean shorter queues, it’s as simple as that.”
“The Minns government is investing in new bendy buses because they carry 50 per cent more passengers and their single-deck, multiple-door design makes them effective on the busiest routes in peak hour where stops are frequent.”
The return of repaired articulated buses has already increased capacity across several key corridors, including the Northern Beaches, the Eastern Suburbs, the Victoria Road corridor and the Lower North Shore.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis says the return of higher-capacity vehicles would help support the expanded 500X route.
“With the 500X service expanded to Parramatta, we will be bringing back the M52.”
“It is even better news for Parramatta and Ryde that the latest and most comfortable bendy buses will serve the route.”
Further fleet expansion is also planned, with ten double-decker Volvo buses expected to be delivered by mid-2026 for use on the busy B Line route on the Northern Beaches.
Read more:
- Victoria’s newest electric bus depot officially opens
- Whanganui to launch redesigned urban bus network
- Busways announces updated leadership team
- First of 270 new Victorian bus timetables launched
- Volvo and WA celebrate 100th electric bus delivery
