Northern Beaches Bus Service Plan: B-Line Extension to Newport Announced, Changes to Palm Beach Route
A new bus service plan has been released for the Northern Beaches this week, including changes to the old L90 route to Palm Beach and confirmation the B-Line will be extended to Newport. The B-Line services from Newport will run every 10 minutes.
"We’ve made the decision to extend the B-Line route from Mona Vale to Newport which will make it even easier for customers from Newport and the surrounding areas to travel to-and-from the Sydney CBD." Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced on Tuesday.
“We want to see more people leaving their car at home and that is why the new bus network plan will provide better coverage of the region, and make it easier for customers to connect with different services,” Mr Constance said.
“The new B-Line is a major part of these changes and when it arrives later this year customers will be able to connect seamlessly between the B-Line and their local services.”
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the extension of the B-Line from Mona Vale to Newport would make it easier than ever to travel to the Sydney CBD.
“B-Line buses will operate between Newport and the CBD every 10 minutes across the day and every five minutes between Mona Vale and the CBD during peak times in the peak direction,” Mr Stokes said.
New routes have been created across the network, including Wheeler Heights to Manly, Mona Vale to Milsons Point, and Palm Beach to Manly.
The extension of the Northern Beaches B-Line route to Newport, along with a number of changes to the local bus network new routes, improvements to existing routes and more peak hour services are slated. Changes to the Northern Beaches Bus Network will come into effect later this year to coincide with the launch of the B-Line with new timetables available closer to changeover.
The new 199 route from Palm Beach, and replacing the L90 prior to 9 a.m. weekdays and prior to 7 a.m. on weekends, and other times listed below post peak hours, will operate as a full time, all stop service between Palm Beach and Manly. Frequency from Palm Beach will be every 30 minutes during the week and every 15 minutes on weekends. Frequency from Avalon Beach south will be 15 mins right across the week.
We can also confirm that there are no plans by Transport for NSW to privatise the Northern Beaches routes, no matter how much this has been discussed and mooted as what may be happening of late.
"The NSW Minister for Transport’s office has stated that there are no plans to change the provider of bus services in the Northern Beaches area. The State Transit Authority currently run services in this area and will continue to do so as part of the B-Line program." a spokesperson stated this week.
How the streamlining of buses turning at Newport, with the extension of the B-line to this suburb, is still being finalised;
"TfNSW is considering required further road upgrades and commuter car parking options as part of the B-Line extension to Newport. " the spokesperson stated,
"Any proposal would be subject to a Review of Environmental Factors (including public display) and planning approval. A REF process would likely take place later this year. More information will be published on the B-Line website as it becomes available."
As Newport is currently listed among 'Park and Ride' options on the 'Express Bus Stopping Pattern' it may be better to see what information is already informing or qualifying that listing rather than wait for it to become available:
The Opal card has helped inform what services are required where and when. The data received by Transport for NSW helped shape and develop the Service Plan.
What is immediately apparent are more services slated for areas where you can sometimes get caught just missing a bus and are then in for a long wait, or a long walk - such as that to Church Point, and more bus services that may be taking into account the large visitor ratio on some routes where those who are sightseeing can now sightsee all the way from Palm Beach to Manly aboard the new 199 route.
There are a lot of changes for commuters using buses though - a lot of adjustments to new routes and numbers for routes. As these changes are slated for the end of the year at this stage
Mona Vale Updates
Also announced this week are more upcoming nightworks at Mona Vale to progress B-Line works there -
Upcoming night work
In order to minimise traffic impacts we will be carrying out:
- median modification work along Barrenjoey Road
- underground service relocation at the corner of Park Street.
The work location is highlighted in the map below. The work is scheduled to take place between 7pm and 6am on Wednesday 7 June and
Thursday 8 June 2017, weather permitting.
The work will include:
- minor earthwork including removal of fill in the existing median on Barrenjoey Road
- modifying the existing median, including minor concrete and asphalt work
- installing and relocating services and cables
- removing sections of the existing kerb and minor concreting.
There is also concern still being expressed over how the Village Park may look once works are completed. In answer to one residents query thee reply was
"Transport for NSW is responsible for the landscaping in Village Park around the new bus line indent. Following consultation with local community groups and Council, we plan to replace removed trees with semi-mature Swamp Mahogany’s.
In line with our planning approval we will restore any areas that are impacted by construction with appropriate landscape treatments, use alternative measures other than berms, such as low walls, to limit encroachments on Village Park if practicable; and where landscaped berms and associated trees along Barrenjoey Road are removed, re-establish a continuous low-level visual barrier between the road and Village Park while maintaining access points."
This seems to be stating the berms will NOT be going back in. A May 2017 update on the B-Line Mona Vale webpage states;
"We initially removed 21 trees. Following soil sampling and analysis of the mound, we found the existing materials in the mound were unsuitable for reuse and have now temporarily removed the main mound and two additional trees.
The area will be restored to its pre-existing condition in the coming weeks, with a new mound constructed to the same height.
We will also plant replacement trees in the coming months, with species selected in consultation with community groups and other stakeholders."
As the REF (Issue 300) then required around 118 trees to replace the 23 destroyed, and these will be, according to what's been stated so far 'semi-mature Swamp Mahogany’s' and 'Offset trees are required to be planted on or near the impacted site' - we may well have a mini-wood in the middle of Mona Vale, which would be nice for the birds and the bees but may not work in with Rotary annual Christmas Carols in the Park, unless more treehouses get approved.
As most in Pittwater consider themselves to be those 'stakeholders', or are members of community groups, it will be great to see how the landscaping plans and replacements develop.
Once the new stop is operational at Mona Vale's Village Park, buses to Church Point will stop in Pittwater Road, near Bungan Lane.
The new routes and modifications for the Bus Service Plan run in full below and TfNSW staff will answer queries online via this page for those who need clarification on details.
Bus timetables, along with trains, ferries etc. can be downloaded online for those who need a hardcopy when these become available - simply visit: transportnsw.info/routes
The new Northern Beaches Bus Service Plan - by suburb
Palm Beach
- New route 199 will operate as a full time, all-stops service between Palm Beach and Manly via Avalon, Newport shops, Newport loop, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road). Route 199 will provide connections to B-line services at Newport.
- Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch route 199 and connect to B-Line services at Newport.
Avalon
- Route 199 will operate as a full time, all-stops service between Palm Beach and Manly via Avalon, Newport shops, Newport loop, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).
- Route E88 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E88 services will be provided.
- Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch route 199 and connect to B-Line services at Newport.
Bilgola and Clareville
- Routes 191 and 192 will now operate every 30 minutes across the day.
- Route E89 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
Newport
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- Route 199 will operate as a full time, all-stops service between Palm Beach and Manly via Avalon, Newport shops, Newport loop, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).
- Route E88 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E88 services will be provided.
- Route E89 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- Route L90 will continue to operate during weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch route 199 and connect to B-Line services at Newport, or routes E88 or E89 at any bus stop along Barrenjoey Road.
- Routes 187 and L87 will no longer operate. For travel to North Sydney and Milsons Point, use B-line services or route 199 to Mona Vale, and connect to frequent route E54 services to North Sydney and Milsons Point during weekday peak periods.
- Route E87 will no longer operate. For travel to the City, catch B-Line services at Newport, or routes E88 or E89 at any bus stop along Barrenjoey Road.
- Services via the Newport Loop will be provided by routes 199 and L90.
Church Point and Bayview
- Route 156 will be modified to operate between McCarrs Creek and Mona Vale, with increased frequencies across the day. For travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, connect to all-stops route 199 at Mona Vale.
- Route E86 will no longer operate. For travel to the City, use route 156 and connect to B-Line services at Mona Vale.
- Route 155 will be modified to operate between Bayview Garden Village and Narrabeen only via Narrabeen Peninsula and no longer operate to Manly. For travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, connect to all-stops route 199 at Mona Vale or Narrabeen.
Mona Vale
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- New route E54 will operate between Mona Vale and Milsons Point via North Sydney, providing frequent services during weekday peak periods, stopping at Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction, and then all stops to North Sydney and Milsons Point.
- Route 155 will be modified to operate between Bayview Garden Village, Mona Vale and Narrabeen only, and no longer operate to Manly. For travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, connect to the all-stops route 199 at Mona Vale or Narrabeen.
- Route 156 will be modified to operate between McCarrs Creek, Church Point and Mona Vale only. For all-stops travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, use route 199.
- Route L60 to Chatswood will be renumbered to route E60, and will be altered to operate via Warringah Road through Narraweena and Beacon Hill. Route E60 will also be altered to operate via Boundary Road and Archer Street in Chatswood. Additional services will be provided.
- Route 182 will be modified to operate via Samuel Street, Parkland Road and Waratah Street, replacing routes L85/185 in this area.
- Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) only. Route 185 in the Samuel Street, Parkland Road and Waratah Street area will be replaced by route 182 which will be modified to operate in this area.
- Route L85 will no longer operate, replaced by all-stops route 185 to Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road). For travel to the City connect with B-line services at Narrabeen.
- Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch new B-line services or routes E88 or E89.
- Routes 184, L84, L85, E86, 187, E87, L87 and L88 will no longer operate, replaced by B-line services and routes E54 and 199.
Warriewood Valley
- Route E85 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Dee Why, then stopping only at Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional services will be provided.
- Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road). For travel to the City, connect to B-Line services at any B-Line bus stop between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).
- Route L85 will no longer operate, replaced by route 185. For travel to the City, connect to B-line services at Narrabeen.
Elanora Heights
- Route E83 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Dee Why, then stopping only at Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E83 services will be provided.
- Route 182 will be modified to operate via Samuel Street, Parkland Road and Waratah Street, replacing routes L85/185 in this area.
Collaroy Beach
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- New route E54 will operate between Mona Vale and Milsons Point via North Sydney, providing frequent services during weekday peak periods, stopping at Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction, and then all stops to North Sydney and Milsons Point.
- Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).
- Route 155 and 156 would no longer operate in the Collaroy area. For travel to Mona Vale, Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly use route 199.
- Routes E88 and E89 will no longer stop at Collaroy. For travel to Neutral Bay or the City use B-Line services.
- Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City during weekday peak periods, catch B-Line services.
- Routes 183, 184, L84, L85, E86, 187, E87, L87 and L88 will no longer operate, replaced by B-Line services and routes E54 and 199.
Collaroy Plateau
- Route L80 to the City will be renumbered to route E80 and will operate all stops to Dee Why, then stopping only at Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E80 services will be provided.
- There will be no change to route 180.
Wheeler Heights and Cromer Heights
- New route 146 will operate between Wheeler Heights and Manly via Dee Why and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), replacing route 179 between Wheeler Heights and Warringah Mall.
- Route 153 will no longer operate. Alternative services to Dee Why and Warringah Mall will be provided by routes 146 and 178.
- Route 179 will no longer operate. New route 146 will replace route 179 between Wheeler Heights and Warringah Mall. For travel to the City, transfer to B-line services at Warringah Mall.
- There will be no changes to routes E78, 178 and E79.
Narraweena and Beacon Hill
- New route 146 will operate between Wheeler Heights and Manly via Dee Why and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).
- Route L60 will be renumbered to route E60, and will be altered to operate via Warringah Road through Narraweena and Beacon Hill. Route E60 will also be altered to operate via Boundary Road and Archer Street in Chatswood. Additional services will be provided.
- Route 179 will no longer operate. New route 146 will replace route 179 between Wheeler Heights and Warringah Mall. For travel to the City, transfer to B-line services at Warringah Mall.
- Route E69 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Neutral Bay (Watson Street) and the City. Additional route E69 services will be provided.
- There will be no changes to routes 136, 169, 173, 178, E78 and E79.
Dee Why
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- New route E54 will operate between Mona Vale and Milsons Point via North Sydney, providing frequent services during weekday peak periods, stopping at Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction, and then all stops to North Sydney and Milsons Point.
- Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).
- Routes 155 and 156 will no longer operate in the Dee Why area. For travel to Mona Vale, use route 199 and for travel to Warringah Mall and Manly use routes 146, 169 or 199.
- Route 179 will no longer operate. For all-stops services to the City via Balgowlah, use routes 178 and 180.
- Route L60 to Chatswood will be renumbered to route E60, and will be altered to operate via Warringah Road through Narraweena and Beacon Hill. Route E60 will also be altered to operate via Boundary Road and Archer Street in Chatswood. Additional services will be provided.
- Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am- 10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City during weekday peak periods, catch B-Line services.
- Routes L78, 183, 184, L84, L85, 187, E86, E87, L87 and L88 will no longer operate, replaced by B-Line services and routes E54 and 199.
- There will be no changes to routes 136, 158, 159, 169, 178, 180, E76, E77, E78 and E79.
Manly Vale
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- New route E54 will operate between Mona Vale and Milsons Point via North Sydney, providing frequent services during weekday peak periods, stopping at Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction, and then all stops to North Sydney and Milsons Point.
- New route E75 will operate between Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) and the City, via Condamine Street, Balgowlah Shops and Sydney Road. The service will operate all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Route E75 services will operate during weekday peak periods.
- There will be no changes to routes 132, 135, 142, 178, 180, E66, E76, E77, E78 and E79.
Seaforth and North Balgowlah
- Route 145 will be modified, no longer operating via North Seaforth.
- Route 168 will be modified to operate to Milsons Point only. Services to the City will continue to be provided by route E68.
- Route E41 will no longer operate. Services to and from Manly to connect with the Manly Ferry will be provided by routes 132, 143 and 144.
- Route E68 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction, and then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E68 services will be provided.
- Route E69 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Watson Street and the City. Additional route E69 services will be provided.
- There will be no changes to routes 143, 144, 169, E69, 173, 178, 180 and 248.
Manly
- New route 199 will operate between Manly and Palm Beach via Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) and Dee Why.
- New route 146 will operate between Manly and Wheeler Heights via Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) and Dee Why.
- Route 130 (Pumpkin Bus) will no longer operate. Late night services from Manly on Friday and Saturday nights will be provided by additional services on routes 136, 142 and 169.
- Route 131 will no longer operate. Evening services to Balgowlah Heights, Seaforth and North Balgowlah will be provided by route 132.
- Route E36 will no longer operate. Services to and from Manly to connect with the Manly Ferry will be provided by routes 136 and 139.
- Route E41 will no longer operate. Services to and from Manly to connect with the Manly Ferry will be provided by routes 132, 143 and 144.
- Route 135 will be extended to operate to and from North Fort Museum on all trips during the weekday off peak and weekend.
- Routes 155 and 156 will no longer operate to and from Manly. These routes will be replaced by routes 146, 169 and 199.
- Route 140 will no longer operate. Alternative travel between Manly and Macquarie Park is available by routes 143 and 144 to St Leonards, and connecting to other buses or Sydney Trains services.
- Route E70 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Watson Street and the City.
- Route E71 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E71 services will be provided.
- Route E50 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Seaforth then stopping only at Watson Street and then all stops from Miller Street to Milsons Point.
- There will be no changes to routes 132, 136, 139, 142, 143, 144, 158, 159 and 169.
Balgowlah and Balgowlah Heights
- New route E75 will operate between Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) and the City, via Condamine Street, Balgowlah Shops and Sydney Road. The service will operate all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Route E75 services will operate during weekday peak periods.
- Route 131 will no longer operate. Evening services to and from Manly will be provided by route 132.
- Route E50 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Seaforth then stopping only at Watson Street and then all stops from Miller Street to Milsons Point.
- Route 168 will be modified to operate to Milsons Point only. Services to the City will continue to be provided by route E68.
- Route E68 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction, and then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E68 services will be provided.
- Route E70 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Watson Street and the City.
- Route 171 will no longer operate. Additional services will be provided on route E71.
- Route E71 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E71 services will be provided.
- Route 185 will no longer operate in the Balgowlah area. For travel to the City, use routes 178 and 180.
Allambie Heights
- Additional route E66 services will be provided.
- There will be no changes to route 142.
North Sydney and Milsons Point services
- New route E54 will operate between Milsons Point and Mona Vale, stopping at all stops to Falcon Street, then stopping at Neutral Bay Junction, Spit Junction, Manly Vale, Brookvale, Dee why, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Warriewood and Mona Vale.
- Routes 175, 183, 187, L84, L78 and L87 will no longer operate. Alternative services will be provided by new route E54.
- There will be no changes to routes 168, 173, 227, 228, 229 and 230.
Mosman (Spit Junction)
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- Route 140 will no longer operate. Alternative travel between Mosman and Macquarie Park is available by routes 143 and 144 to St Leonards, and connecting to other buses or Sydney Trains services.
- Route 236 will be modified to operate via Punch Street, Mosman.
- Routes E70, E83 and E85 will no longer stop at Spit Junction.
- Routes E68, E71 and E75 will now stop at Spit Junction.
- There will be no changes to routes M30, 143, 144, 151, 169, 173, 178, 180, 188, 227, 228, 229, 230, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 and 257.
Cremorne Junction
- Route 140 will no longer operate. Alternative travel between Cremorne and Macquarie Park is available by routes 143 and 144 to St Leonards, and connecting to other buses or Sydney Trains services.
- Routes E68 and E71 will no longer stop at Cremorne Junction.
- There will be no changes to routes M30, 143, 144, 151, E65, E66, E69, 169, E70, 173, E76, E77, E78, 178, E79, 180, 188, 227, 228, 229, 230, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 and 257.
Neutral Bay (Neutral Bay Junction)
- New B-Line services will operate between Newport and the City, providing frequent services all day, seven days a week, stopping only at Newport, Mona Vale, Warriewood, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction, Neutral Bay Junction and the City.
- Route 140 will no longer operate. Alternative travel between Neutral Bay and Macquarie Park is available by routes 143 and 144 to St Leonards, and connecting to other buses or Sydney Trains services.
- Routes E68, E71 and E75 will now stop at Neutral Bay Junction.
- There will be no changes to routes M30, 143, 144, 151, 169, 173, 178, 180, E83, E85, E88, 188, 227, 228, 229, 230, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 and 257.
Neutral Bay (Watson Street)
- Route 140 will no longer operate. Alternative travel between Neutral Bay and Macquarie Park is available by routes 143 and 144 to St Leonards, and connecting to other buses or Sydney Trains services.
- Routes E68 and E71 will no longer stop at Watson Street.
- There will be no changes to routes M30, 143, 144, 151, E65, E66, E69, 169, E70, 173, E76, E77, E78, 178, E79, 180, 188, 227, 228, 229, 230, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 and 257.