Fleet of new buses to be ordered after lower north shore commuter chaos.

By ANNA USHER

The NSW government says it will address the lower north shore’s current commuter crisis by purchasing 50 new diesel-powered bendy buses and 10 B-line double-deck buses to end long queues.

The first six of 83 bendy buses, which were removed from service last October due to chassis cracks, are also expected to hit the road next month following repairs. The government said it expected a staged return of the other bendy buses over the remainder of the year.

After weeks of local outrage, reported extensively by Mosman Collective, Transport for NSW has begun a tender process for 50 new bendy buses and 10 double-decker buses to boost the fleet used on the B-line route between Mona Vale and Wynyard.

Three-quarters of the 83 bendy-buses are dedicated to the northern beaches and lower north shore.

Transport Minister John Graham said the rollout of the new vehicles would be prioritised to the areas of greatest need.
“We know it’s been a difficult couple of months for bus passengers who’ve been dealing with the shortage of articulated buses,” he said.

“As these additional high-capacity buses and repaired articulated buses enter service over the next 12 months, this will mean fewer disruptions, improved reliability and bus services that better meet the needs of the people who rely on them.”

North Shore MP Felicity Wilson said the new buses would be welcomed by thousands of lower north shore residents, who have faced continuing issues with bus reliability.

“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,” Ms Wilson said.

”I’m told that things should start improving within 3 weeks – but the full fleet won’t be back in action until later this year, with the new buses to be delivered in the second half of this year and repairs still being completed on the 43 bendy buses that were removed from our services.”

Ms Wilson said that while the fleet additions were “good news,” commuters could no longer afford further delays.
“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.

Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, a former Northern Beaches Council mayor, said the investment in new buses was a “huge win” and a direct result of the community demanding better services.

“I spoke with the minister directly and called on him to urgently invest in our bus network. I’m pleased that the government has listened and is now committing to a strong solution,” he said.