NSW Budget brings bus bonanza

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced more than 170 new buses will be purchased in the NSW Budget, bringing thousands of additional and improved weekly services to customers across the state.

“I am excited to confirm today that this massive budget boost will not only replace 134 of our ageing bus fleet, it will add 42 additional buses and deliver 3300 more services a week,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This is another way we’re delivering real improvements to services that people rely on every day.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said, “This Government continues to bring public transport into the 21st Century, and once again this year we are committed to funding these services that the people of NSW deserve as part of our state’s $1.5 billion bus budget.”

Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure said today’s announcement isn't just about more services but also creates new routes, provides extended operating hours and delivers bus priority infrastructure where it is needed the most.

“This is not just about adding more services, but also allowing for future growth,” Mr Constance said.

New and enhanced services are being added in growth centres like Macquarie Park, Olympic Park and Marsden Park, while residential areas outside of Sydney like Huntlee in the Hunter, Calderwood in the Illawarra and Springwood in the Blue Mountains will get enhanced services and better intra-regional links.

“We’re also planning improvements to key corridors around Sydney from Macquarie Park to Burwood which will provide better bus access and improved reliability of bus services.

“Our new bus fleet will also include six double-deck buses as part of our commitment to phase out bendy-buses that cause increased congestion on our streets.”

The additional buses and services forms part of the 2017/18 Growth Services program and delivers on priorities highlighted in the Sydney’s Bus Future plan.