The Minns Labor Government is delivering a major boost to public transport in the Hunter, with more than 100 additional bus services every week set to transform how people move around one of the fastest growing regions in NSW.
Part of the Minns Government's $150 million Bus Service Uplift Program, the investment will provide frequent, reliable and accessible public transport options for thousands of residents across the Hunter.
The addition of these new services means that more than 650 new bus services - both school and regular route - have been introduced by into the Hunter by the Minns Labor Government since March 2023.
In regional communities across the Hunter, buses are a critical part of everyday life. They make it possible to get to work, attend school, access healthcare, support local businesses and stay connected to the rest of their community. More services mean more flexibility and more opportunities to participate in their community.
The additional services will deliver more night-time and weekend travel options for communities including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton, Maitland, North Rothbury, Huntlee, Branxton, Greta, Lochinvar and Windella.
Importantly, the improved timetable will strengthen connections with other public transport services across Greater Newcastle, making journeys smoother and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
From 28 June, Route 164 between Cessnock and Maitland via Kurri Kurri, will receive an additional 32 services each week. Services will run hourly, seven days a week, providing improved access for the rapidly growing communities of Gillieston Heights, Cliftleigh and Heddon Greta.
From 19 July, Route 179 between North Rothbury and Green Hills Shopping Centre via Maitland, will receive an additional 70 services each week. For the first time, the route will operate on Sundays and public holidays, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for residents across the growing Huntlee and North Rothbury areas.
The service expansion is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the services needed to support a growing Hunter, ensuring local communities remain connected, accessible and great places to live, work and raise a family.
For a summary of changes coming into effect from Sunday 28 June please visit: https://transportnsw.info/news/2026/hunter-bus-changes-from-sunday-28-june
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"The Hunter is one of the fastest growing places in New South Wales, and we're making sure our region gets the services to match.
"Strong communities are built on strong connections, and these extra services are just one part of our plan to keep workers, students, and families moving.
"This is about better connecting the people who call the Hunter home and the many more choosing to come here."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
"In regional communities across the Hunter, the distance between where people, live, work and access services can be significant.
"Rolling out over 100 new bus services for the Hunter recognises this reality, as well as the incredible growth we're seeing across the region.
"These additional services will give people more options and more freedom - to get to appointments, pop down to the shops, visit family and friends, and stay connected to their community. Importantly, it will make everyday life that little bit easier.
"This investment by the Minns Labor Government reflects what local communities already know - the Hunter is booming, and we're committed to making sure services keep pace with that growth."
Quotes attributable to Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:
"These extra bus services are a big win for local residents, especially in growing communities like Cessnock, North Rothbury and Heddon Greta.
"I know how important public transport services are for our community, and this will make it easier for people to get where they need to go. More services -particularly in the evenings and on weekends-mean better connectivity, more convenience and stronger links to jobs, education and shopping across the region"
