Bendy Buses Return to Pittwater
Commuter Life is finally getting better, with repaired articulated “bendy buses” returning to service and easing pressure on local routes.
83 longer buses, which carry around 50% more passengers than regular buses, were withdrawn from service in October last year after urgent chassis repairs were required. More than half of the affected fleet operated on local routes, leaving commuters facing long waits and crowded buses, especially during peak periods.
With 17 bendy buses now repaired and back in service – and more on the way – Pittwater passengers are already noticing the difference.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said: “Pittwater commuters are now seeing the benefits of buses returning. I’ve had emails, DMs and spoken to commuters at bus stops, and with almost no cancellations on the 190X the benefits to the whole region are already being noticed.”
“People’s experience in the bus crisis was brutal - they rightly lost faith in the buses. In response the government has responded with the biggest investment in buses in decades.”
“Bendy buses are an icon on the Northern Beaches, and we’re excited to have them back and looking forward to even more returning. Although we’re looking forward to the brand new buses which will be here later in the year and into 2026.
“Up in Pittwater we are quite remote and rely solely on buses to get to work, school and appointments. Today’s announcement confirms what Pittwater commuters already feel – buses will be more reliable and less crowded, and the bus crisis is a thing of the past.”
“Of course, things aren’t perfect – we’re still dealing with driver shortages, traffic and potholes on local roads and an aged fleet – but the return of bendy buses is a real turning point in what was a bus crisis.”
On Wednesday morning, August 3, the Minister for Transport acknowledged Ms Scruby’s relentless yet constructive advocacy on behalf of Pittwater commuters. Her efforts included writing multiple letters to the Minister’s office, maintaining daily contact about cancellations, and presenting a petition with more than 200 signatures calling for urgent government action. After constant cancellations and unreliable services left commuters stranded, Ms Scruby engaged regularly with both Transport for NSW and the Government to secure solutions and ensure bus services remain reliable.
The NSW Government has also confirmed it is purchasing 50 new Euro 6 diesel articulated buses to boost capacity across Sydney, with the first due by the end of 2025, alongside 10 new double-decker buses to supplement the B-Line fleet.
Jacqui Scruby said the outcome was a testament to community pressure:
“This shows the power of commuters speaking up with over 200 responses to my survey which was provided to the Minister and TfNSW. Pittwater residents made their voices heard, and together we’ve delivered real change.”
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“Bendy buses are a signature part of public transport on the Northern Beaches and we are pleased to see the repaired fleet starting to return to the busiest routes where they are needed most.
“We have heard loud and clear from bus passengers, especially peak time commuters, that queues at the bus stop have been too long and these buses provide the extra capacity that will improve those wait times.
“Longer buses mean shorter queues, it’s that simple. I commend the energy of the local members for Pittwater and Wakehurst, Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan for their advocacy on behalf of bus passengers.”
Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:
“People on the northern beaches rely heavily on our buses. When the bendys were taken off the road, we felt that impact straight away with longer queues and more missed services. Getting them back into service was a priority.
“Beaches commuters know that the high capacity bendys are a practical solution for our busiest routes. Their return is good news for commuters, and the new fleet on the way shows that the government is listening to our advocacy and the community’s call for better services. I’m so thankful to commuters and drivers who have spoken up and engaged with me on this, and I thank the government for listening.”
“I’ve been pushing hard for more reliable bus services because public transport is vital to the Beaches. These repaired bendys and the commitment to purchase new additional buses are a welcome step in the right direction, and we’ll keep advocating for all necessary investment to meet the ever-growing demand.”