An additional 244 bus trips have been added to the Western Sydney timetable, as the NSW government aims to improve service frequency and invest in the bus network.
Kicking off yesterday, the extra services connect areas including Penrith, Blacktown, St Marys and Mount Druitt.
The four key bus routes which have received additional services are route 731 Rouse Hill to Blacktown via Stanhope Gardens (42 extra trips per week), route 770 Penrith to Mt Druitt via Claremont Gardens and St Marys (70 extra trips per week), route 780 Penrith to Mount Druitt via Cambridge Park and Tregear (45 extra trips per week) and route 794 Penrith to Glenmore Park (87 extra trips per week).
- 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
The new timetable will extend hours of operation, adding an extra 260 hours of services, resulting in four routes operating a daytime frequency of every 30 minutes seven days a week.
The bus boost is part of the first stage of the state government’s $23.6 million growth investment.
“The community has been crying out for more bus services and we are adding nearly 250 trips each week to the timetable in Western Sydney,” transport minister John Graham says.
“Shift workers rely on commuting outside of standard business hours and these changes provide more services to get them to, and from, home after hours and Sundays.”
In a big win for community members, all services on route 794 will commence from and finish at Glenmore Park shopping centre, improving access to local facilities for the surrounding community. Currently, only daytime services operate to and from the shopping centre.
“Penrith is a hub for retail, hospitality and medical services across Western Sydney – that’s why these new changes are so important,” member for Penrith Karen McKeown says.
“Extra bus services will provide a significant boost to Penrith’s economy and general liveability by ensuring reliable and frequent connections to, from and around the region.”
Acting minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos says these extra services mean less time waiting and more time where it matters.
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW, and the Minns Labor Government is delivering for the community,” she says.
“Our Deputy Premier Prue Car has been a tireless advocate for improved bus services across Western Sydney, and today’s announcement shows how our government is delivering for the region.
“Whether you’re a nurse in St Marys, a parent in Rouse Hill or a hospitality worker in Penrith, this boost to services will make everyday life easier.”
Read more:
- Victorian driver strikes: One operator reaches agreement while one prepares for more strikes after unsuccessful negotiations
- Western suburbs in Melbourne score major transport boost
- Victorian veteran to exit bus industry following storied career
- WA government slashes bus fares with $152 million investment
- Major bus reforms coming for the NT