Passengers in the Hunter and Lower North Coast can now view reliable timetable information and real-time trip updates any time they use buses in their local area.
Over 200 buses in the region stretching from from Diamond Head in the north to Cessnock in the south and as far inland as Cassilis have been fitted with the smart technology, as part of the Transport Connected Bus (TCB) program.
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The technology has been installed on all regular passenger route buses and school buses. Passengers can find out where their bus is in real time, how soon it is due to arrive and how full it is.
The TCB program is progressively rolling out this technology across regional NSW. By the end of June 2025, the entire NSW fleet of Transport-contracted buses will be tracked.
“As the Hunter region grows, the NSW Government knows we must grow with it which is why we’re modernising the public transport system,” minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley says.
“Whether checking real-time bus arrivals via mobile apps or accessing digital timetables online, the NSW Government is committed to bettering commuter convenience.”
The Hunter and Lower North Coast was the first of the regional NSW areas completed under Phase 3 of the Transport Connected Bus program. Transport for NSW worked with 22 bus operators during the roll out.
Parents are especially excited for the new technology, now able to digitally track the bus their child is on in real time.
“We’ve had so many problems in the past not knowing when or if a school bus was going to turn up,” member for Port Stephens Kate Washington says.
“Now parents will have the ability to receive live updates of their children’s school buses making school bus travel easier and safer.
“This is a great initiative that’s been long overdue in the regions – our local community is going to love it.”
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