Residents of Rosebery, Eastlakes, Mascot, Pagewood and Eastgardens will be better connected by public transport, with the reinstatement of the 301 bus service starting on April 20. The reinstated service is part of the Minns Labor Government's $452 million investment in rebuilding the state's bus network.
The 301 route began in 1987 but was cut under the former Liberal government in 2021.
The restored route will service the Rosebery to Eastgardens part of the old route. It will be particularly beneficial for elderly residents in Rosebery and Eastlakes travelling to the Mascot shops and Westfield Eastgardens.
The new Route 301 will operate approximately every 30 minutes during off-peak periods Monday to Saturday, with the first service arriving at Eastgardens just before 10am and the last departing Eastgardens just after 5pm
There will be no changes to existing services in the area, including Routes 303, 306 and 350.
Transport for NSW is communicating these changes with passengers and communities to ensure they understand the service improvements and how best to plan their journey.
The restored 301 service is part of the wider $452 million bus investment announced in the 2025/26 budget by the Minns Labor Government. This follows a period of privatisation and underinvestment by the former Liberal government with the Bus Industry Taskforce 2024 calling bus 'the forgotten mode' due to a failure to invest in bus services, fleet and drivers.
Since coming to office in March 2023 the Minns Labor Government has delivered:
- 1357 additional new weekly services across Greater Sydney.
- Reduced the driver shortage from 500 down to 172.
- Ordered 923 new buses.
- Rebuilding local bus manufacturing - 571 buses ordered have over 50% local content.
Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and check service information by visiting www.transportnsw.info.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Bus is no longer the forgotten mode under Labor, we're investing in new services like the 301, recognising bus travel as a critical part of our public transport network,
"Reinstating this section of Route 301 will give people in Rosebery and Eastlakes another option to get where they need to go, including easier access to Westfield Eastgardens.
"This is the first stage of growth services in the region and part of the Minns Labor Government's investment to improve bus services and better connect communities across Sydney's South East."
Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:
"Residents in Eastlakes, Mascot and Rosebery have been clear: getting to Westfield Eastgardens shouldn't mean multiple buses and long waits."
"The 301 to Eastgardens is back in business, making local trips simpler and more reliable for everyone.
"This is a real win for my community. Whether it's heading to the shops, attending medical appointments, accessing government services, or visiting family, it's a lifeline for older residents and those in public housing who rely on public transport.
"This service should never have been taken away by the former Liberal Government. I thank our community for their support in having this vital route reinstated."
