Regional bus passengers in NSW are set to receive more than 275 additional weekly services across the Hunter, Tweed and Murwillumbah under the state’s Bus Service Uplift program.
The service increases are part of the NSW government’s $150 million program to improve bus coverage and frequency across growing communities.
In the Hunter, more than 100 extra weekly services will be added across communities, including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton, Maitland, North Rothbury, Huntlee, Branxton, Greta, Lochinvar and Windella.
The government says the uplift means more than 650 new regular routes and school bus services have been introduced in the Hunter since March 2023.
From June 28, Route 164 between Cessnock and Maitland via Kurri Kurri will receive an extra 32 services each week. Services will run hourly, seven days a week, improving access for growing communities including Gillieston Heights, Cliftleigh and Heddon Greta.
From July 19, Route 179 between North Rothbury and Green Hills Shopping Centre via Maitland will receive an additional 70 services each week. The route will operate on Sundays and public holidays for the first time, giving residents in Huntlee and North Rothbury more travel options.
NSW minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley says the service increases are designed to match regional growth.
“The Hunter is one of the fastest growing places in New South Wales, and we’re making sure our region gets the services to match,” Catley says.
“Strong communities are built on strong connections, and these extra services are just one part of our plan to keep workers, students and families moving.”
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NSW regional transport minister Jenny Aitchison says the additional Hunter services recognise the travel distances faced by regional passengers.
“In regional communities across the Hunter, the distance between where people live, work, and access services can be significant,” Aitchison says.
“Rolling out over 100 new bus services for the Hunter recognises this reality, as well as the incredible growth we’re seeing across the region.”
Aitchison says the extra services will give passengers more options for essential and everyday trips.
“These additional services will give people more options and more freedom to get to appointments, pop down to the shops, visit family and friends and stay connected to their community,” she says.
“This investment by the Minns government reflects what local communities already know. The Hunter is booming and we’re committed to making sure services keep pace with that growth.”
On the North Coast, Tweed and Murwillumbah will receive 175 additional weekly services from June 29.
The changes represent an 11 per cent increase in services and include more early, evening and weekend services. The government says the uplift responds to community feedback and is intended to support population growth, tourism and the region’s night-time economy.
Route 605 between Murwillumbah and Tweed Mall will receive one of the largest increases, with 111 additional weekly services. The route will also offer faster and more direct trips, cutting travel times by up to six minutes.
Kings Forest will receive regular public transport for the first time, with buses every 30 minutes linking the community to Tweed Valley Hospital, TAFE NSW Kingscliff and surrounding areas.
The uplift will also support healthcare access, with additional evening and weekend services to Tweed Valley Hospital designed to better align with staff shift times.
The North Coast changes also include eight extra weekly services between Pottsville and Tweed Heads, extended operating hours in Pottsville and improved connections from Pottsville, Fingal Head and nearby communities to Tweed Mall for onward travel into Queensland.
The expansion is expected to create seven additional bus driver jobs.
“This is fantastic news for Tweed and Murwillumbah and the benefits will ripple right across both communities,” Aitchison says.
“With families putting down roots, new neighbourhoods growing, and more visitors discovering what makes this region special, 175 extra bus services every week will make a real difference to everyday life.”
Spokesperson for Tweed Emily Suvaal says the local bus network needs to reflect how residents use public transport.
“For a lot of families and workers here, the bus isn’t a backup option. It’s how they get to work, reach their GP, drop the kids off at school and get home at the end of the day,” Suvaal says.
“This is about making everyday life on the North Coast even better and ensuring the buses actually work around the way people here live.”
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