State government orders more buses for North Shore services

12 March 2025

The NSW government has moved to address severe disruptions in bus services across Sydney’s northern beaches and north shore, procuring an additional 60 high-capacity buses to bolster the network. The purchase includes 50 diesel-powered articulated buses and 10 B-line double-deckers, with deliveries expected in the latter half of the year.

The procurement follows months of commuter frustration after 83 bendy buses were withdrawn from service last October due to chassis cracks. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the first six of these buses are scheduled to return next month, with the remainder undergoing staged repairs throughout the year.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson welcomed the announcement but noted that ongoing delays were still causing significant inconvenience for commuters. “Commuters across our community will welcome the news that the government has responded to my advocacy and today announced an additional 60 high-capacity buses have been procured,” Wilson said. “But while fleet additions are good news, we can’t wait that long for a reliable public transport system, and we can’t afford further delays.”

The fleet shortage has been exacerbated by a shortfall in bus drivers, compounding service gaps along key routes. Transport Minister John Graham said the rollout of new and repaired buses would be prioritised for areas most affected by disruptions. “We know it’s been a difficult couple of months for bus passengers on the northern beaches who’ve been dealing with the shortage of articulated buses,” he said, adding that the additional capacity would help stabilise services over the next 12 months.

Wilson, however, warned that commuters could still face months of unreliable services. “I’ll keep pushing for faster solutions so that commuters in our area aren’t left in limbo for another six to twelve months,” she said.

The cost of the new fleet will depend on the outcome of the government’s tender process, which is now underway. The additional buses are expected to help alleviate pressure on the B-line route between Mona Vale and Wynyard, as well as other key corridors impacted by service cancellations.