20 February 2025
A cross-party delegation of local MPs met with the state’s transport minister, John Graham, to address the ongoing bus reliability crisis affecting Greater Sydney Bus Contract Region 8, which covers the North Shore and Northern Beaches. The meeting sought to highlight commuter concerns and push for improved service reliability and communication from Transport for NSW.
According to North Shore MP Felicity Wilson, who led the delegation, the minister acknowledged the significant disruptions caused by service cancellations and delays. The discussion identified several factors contributing to the crisis, including the removal of 43 articulated buses, a driver shortage—though improving, still short by around 20 drivers—the return to in-office work patterns, and seasonal demand fluctuations in February, historically a peak period for public transport.
Wilson described the meeting as constructive, noting that MPs from across the political spectrum were united in calling for prioritised action. “The meeting with the minister has been a step in the right direction and ensures the stress being experienced by commuters in my community has the attention of the state’s transport decision-makers,” she said.
She also acknowledged the frustration among residents reliant on public transport, adding, “I appreciate that the bus services we rely on so heavily have been letting people down and causing massive amounts of stress. I want to apologise for that. I’m reading all the emails and as many social posts as I can to ensure I know which stops and routes are affected. Public transport needs to make life easier, and it’s currently letting people down.”
The delegation sought further detail from the government on the causes of the crisis, how Transport for NSW is addressing the issues, and called for better communication with commuters regarding disruptions and restoration timelines.
The cross-party group included Wilson, Manly MP James Griffin, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, and Davidson MP Matt Cross