As Hunter kids get ready to head back to school next week, the Minns Labor Government is today announcing better school bus connections - ensuring a growing population of local families have the services they need for the school run.
From the start of Term 1, 2026, students across Maitland and Newcastle will benefit from new and upgraded school bus services. These services have been introduced to meet rising demand, reduce overcrowding and get kids to school, and home again, safely, smoothly and on time.
The improved services rolled out on 27 January 2026, giving families the confidence that transport is in place and working as students return to the classroom.
In Maitland, the improvements to the bus services have gone beyond the school gate. The local community is also enjoying better weekend public transport, with Route 185 - connecting Largs and Maitland via Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights and Lorn - boosted with extra Saturday services and brand-new Sunday services.
These changes reflect the Minns Labor Government's commitment to practical, community-focused transport solutions that support families, get our students to and from school, and make regional life even better across the Hunter.
The changes include:
- A new route 2802 service will connect students directly from Maitland High School to High St Maitland, where it will become a new 185 service connecting students and the broader community to Lorn, Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights and Largs.
- An altered 1471 service will connect Maitland Christian School and Hunter Valley Grammar School students with Chisholm.
- An altered 2396 service will replace route 0342 for Tenambit Public School students
- An altered 0342 service will no longer service Tenambit Public School and will now service Maitland Grossman High School, getting students home to Metford earlier.
- Route 185 Maitland to Largs and Gresford via Lorn and Bolwarra, will receive three additional Saturday services and eight additional Sunday services
In Newcastle, students attending Merewether High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts in Newcastle will benefit from enhanced school bus services.
The changes include the introduction of two new services:
- Route 2337 (Morning): This new morning service will travel from The Outlook Estate, through Nikkinba Ridge in Fletcher and Wallsend, before continuing to Merewether High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts.
- Route 6300 (Afternoon): The afternoon service will operate from Merewether High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts, travelling via Wallsend and Nikkinba Ridge in Fletcher, and terminating at The Outlook Estate.
Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"Maitland is growing, and our transport services need to grow with it. I'm delighted to see new and improved bus services being introduced for our community, because good public transport here isn't a nice-to-have - it's essential.
"For families and students, the school run is part of everyday life. These new bus services mean a more reliable trip to and from school, less overcrowding and fewer pressures during peak times - helping students arrive ready to learn and get home safely at the end of the day.
"The additional weekend services in Maitland are another big win, giving our whole community more flexibility to get where they need to go - whether that be a sports game, visiting friends and family or simply ducking to the shop. The benefits of frequent and reliable public transport cannot be understated."
Acting Minister for the Hunter, Paul Scully said:
"Maitland and Newcastle's bus services need to keep pace with the changing needs of the community. We know how critical reliable public transport is, especially for our kids, which is why taking a close look at our bus networks really matters.
"Today's announcement follows the rollout of improved bus services across Cessnock and surrounding suburbs, making sure the Hunter is ready as schools return next week.
"Getting children to school safely and on time is non-negotiable. Education matters and it's central to the Hunter's future."
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:
"Families across Newcastle and our region know how important reliable school transport is - it's about getting kids to class safely, on time and without unnecessary stress on parents.
"Newer estates like Nikkinba Ridge and growing communities around Wallsend and Fletcher need transport that keeps pace. The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job - adding services where they're needed and making sure no student is left stranded."
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
"Frequent and reliable bus services relieve pressure on students and their parents. Getting to school on time gives students a strong and focused start to the day, ready to learn and succeed.
"Increasing our school bus fleet not only keeps our children safe on their way to and from school but is an investment in the whole community by reducing traffic and lowering our city's emissions.
"Newcastle and the wider Hunter region is a growing area and the Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting that growth with the needed infrastructure."
NSW Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:
"Across the Hunter, families rely on school bus services to get their kids to school safely and on time, particularly in growing and regional communities where public transport options can be limited."
"Better school bus connections don't just support students, they support working families and help take pressure off local roads during peak times."
"The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering practical transport solutions that respond to real community needs across the Hunter and Upper Hunter."
For further information about new school bus services, families are encouraged to visit https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip
