Western Sydney communities will benefit from more buses, more often, as part of a $139.5 million 
boost from the Minns Labor Government to the state’s bus network that will modernise the fleet and 
create more reliable, accessible services for passengers.

Buses carry more than 40 per cent of public transport passengers in NSW, representing nearly 300 
million trips each year.

But years of neglect under the former government means bus passengers aren’t as connected to work, 
school or essential services, with many enduring cancellations and lengthy commutes.

The 2024-25 Budget will allocate $91 million towards a Bus System Upgrade program that will deliver 
major improvements for commuters.

The work, set to begin later this year, will see upgrades to 4,000 Opal-enabled buses in Greater 
Sydney and another 1,000 in outer metropolitan areas.

This will involve installing modern passenger communications including on-board screens and audio 
announcements, so commuters know which stop they are at and where to get off. It will also eliminate 
so-called ‘ghost buses’ by further replacing old technology to provide passengers with live, accurate 
information about when the next service is coming.

The project represents the first time this number of buses has received a coordinated overhaul in the 
state’s history.

The 2024-25 Budget will also inject $24.7 million over four years for more services, new routes and 
more Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) in Western Sydney which will create opportunities for local 
manufacturers.

Key suburbs to receive critical changes include Penrith, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Marsden Park, 
Riverstone, Blacktown, Eastern Creek, Kemps Creek, and Arndell Park – areas where the former 
government allowed development to occur but didn’t provide the essential transport services needed.

Investment in bus services for the Northwest will:

• Increase the frequency and service hours for many existing routes
• Provide more bus connections to train and metro stations to help reduce congestion and 
  relieve pressure on commuter car parks.
• Deliver new routes that will connect passengers with schools, shops, and employment hubs.

The Bus Industry Taskforce found the former government’s lack of investment in buses has not kept 
up with population growth in our west, leaving expanding communities at risk of becoming ‘Uber only’ 
communities. 

The Budget sets aside a further $23.8m over two years for a state-wide “Medium Term Bus Plan”. This 
was a crucial recommendation of the Bus Industry Taskforce that will address the needs and growth 
of different bus regions and set a much-needed strategy for bus network improvements for the next 
10 years.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better, well-connected communities for 
NSW. To ensure people have reliable access to the essential services they rely on.
A plan to build a better NSW.

Karen McKeown, Member for Penrith, said: 
“Millions of Penrith’s residents rely on buses – they’re the cornerstone of our thriving and 
interconnected public transport network.

“Thank you to all of the Penrith residents who attended our Bus Passenger Forum and submitted their 
feedback to the Bus Industry Taskforce. Your contributions have been invaluable, as we establish 
reliable bus services for our growing communities.

“This vital investment to Penrith’s bus network will make a major difference to passengers across 
Western Sydney.”