Private operator awarded $900 million contract for lower north shore, northern beaches bus routes.

State run buses on Sydney’s north shore will be privately operated from October 31.

Transport company Keolis Downer has been awarded the $900 million contract for Region 8 routes (Brookvale, Mona Vale and North Sydney depots) until 2029.

The contract will see the introduction of 125 electric buses, delivering sustainable transport options for the local community from two newly electrified depots in Brookvale and Mona Vale.

It will also introduce innovative headway technology to further increase the reliability and quality of service of the successful B-Line.

A press statement released by the company says the popular On Demand transport service, known as Keoride, will also become a permanent part of the network.

“We are very proud to partner with TfNSW to support the future growth and transformation of the northern beaches,” David Franks, Keolis Downer CEO, said.

“Drawing on our experience locally and globally, we will launch a range of new initiatives to enhance the customer experience building from the already excellent bus services in the area.

“We will introduce new service technology to enable staff to actively manage routes and monitor bus running times, improving the frequency of bus services.

“We will introduce new service technology to enable staff to actively manage routes and monitor bus running times, improving the frequency of bus services.

“We are also very excited to continue to deliver the highly successful On Demand transport service, which we have been operating in the area since 2017.

“We look forward to further engaging with the community to deliver a safe, efficient and reliable transport system that supports the liveability and future prosperity of this vibrant, growing region”.

The transport company has 4,900 employees and operates in five states.