Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, has welcomed the NSW Government's announcement of more than 670 additional weekly bus services across the Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and Casino routes, starting Sunday 6 December 2026.
Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the decision was a win for people who have waited a long time to be heard.
"For years we have lobbied for this because so many people in our community have been isolated by the lack of public transport," Mayor Ndiaye said.
"When there is no reliable bus, our young people and our elderly depend heavily on family just to stay connected.
"It limits work, volunteering, recreation and, importantly, safety.
"Byron Shire recorded the highest engagement in the state in consultation on the NSW Government's Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, a 20-year roadmap guiding regional road, freight, public transport and active transport planning.
"During the Special Entertainment Precinct discussion, the community also made it clear that safe transport at night was needed," she said.
"Then came Easter. When extra buses were provided with only 48 hours' notice, more than 1300 people used them.
"This only works if we use it, so let's fill those buses," Mayor Ndiaye said.
The changes include:
- Hourly buses every day on Route 640 between Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Ballina and Byron Bay, on a more direct path that is 10 minutes quicker.
- New route 646, cutting 18 minutes off weekday trips from Ocean Shores, Brunswick Heads and nearby towns
- More of Byron Bay covered by routes 643 and 644.
