NSW bus operators will move to a modern risk-based safety system later this month, with the state government introducing the first major update to Safety Management System Guidelines in nearly two decades.
The new guidelines, taking effect from October 24, will replace outdated one-size-fits-all rules with a framework that aligns more closely with workplace health and safety laws. They were a key recommendation of the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce and are designed to support continuous safety improvement across the sector.
The reforms are part of a broader investment program in public transportation. In the 2025–26 Budget, $452 million was committed to improving the state’s bus network, including funding for new buses, additional services, and support for local operators.
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NSW transport minister John Graham says the reforms represent a significant step forward.
“These reforms are about putting passenger and driver safety first, while modernising the way our bus system is regulated,” Graham says.
He says the updated system will better reflect the diverse operating environments across NSW.
“The updated guidelines give operators the flexibility they need to manage risks effectively, while ensuring every journey is backed by the highest standards of safety,” he says.
“Under the Minns Labor government, people can have confidence that our bus network is safer, stronger and built for the future.”
NSW regional transport minister Jenny Aitchison says the changes will benefit both urban and rural communities.
“Whether you live in the city or the country, buses are a lifeline that keep people connected and improve access to health, education, jobs and opportunity,” she says.
She says the guidelines will allow operators to address safety in ways that reflect their own scale and risks.
“These reforms will help regional operators put in place systems that reflect their unique risks and challenges, while staying aligned with best practice across the state,” Aitchison says.
“The Minns government is delivering safer, more reliable bus services for every community in NSW.”
The updated SMS Guidelines place a stronger emphasis on identifying and managing safety hazards, while providing operators with greater flexibility to design systems suited to their specific size and complexity. The approach also ensures that bus operations are fully aligned with workplace health and safety laws.
Education and support will be provided by Transport for NSW to help operators transition to the new system. The guidelines are one part of the government’s broader bus industry reform program, which includes retrofitting seatbelts, running awareness campaigns and addressing driver shortages.
According to government figures, Sydney’s bus driver shortfall has been reduced from 500 in April 2023 to 123 in September 2025, with a further 176 drivers currently in training.
The reforms are being introduced one year after the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce released its final report, continuing a program of change aimed at improving safety, reliability and service quality across the state’s bus network.
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