Passengers affected by the former Liberal government's decision to axe the popular M52 bus route will have their direct connection to the city restored with a more frequent 24-hour route 52 service recommencing from June 21.
Restoring the M52 was a Minns Labor election promise, after community outcry in response to cutting the route in 2021. This decision had significant impacts on residents in between Parramatta and Ryde with the alternative options increasing travels times by up to 20 minutes, due to increased stops and transfers between service.
The new route 52 will provide direct connections between Parramatta, Ryde and the Sydney CBD via Victoria Road, operating 24/7 with services every 10 minutes during the day, every 20 minutes in the early morning and late evening, and every 30 minutes overnight.
To improve travel times services will have limited stops, including the same stops between Ryde and the City as the current 500X route, which is being replaced by the new route 52 service.
To cater for passenger demand route 52 will be operated by high-capacity bendy buses, including 13 of the 50 new bendy buses now being delivered for Sydney's busiest bus routes.
To support the introduction of route 52, the 521, 523, 524, 525 and 546 routes will see additional services and improved reliability, while route 525 will operate between Parramatta, Newington and Lidcombe Station, improving access to Lidcombe shopping centre and rail connections.
Route 501 will be amended to operate between West Ryde and Central Station, with the new route 52 providing replacement services between Parramatta and West Ryde. As well as the 500X, the 500N will also be replaced by the new route 52, while the 552 will be withdrawn - with customers continuing to be served by alternative routes.
Under the former Liberal Government bus services were privatised, a severe driver shortage developed, services were cut, we ran out of new buses and bus manufacturing jobs were offshored through overseas procurement.
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 179.
- Ordered 923 new buses.
- Rebuilding local bus manufacturing - 575 buses ordered under the Zero Emissions Bus program, with local content averaging 50%.
Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys ahead of the changes by visiting transportnsw.info and using the trip planner.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Cutting the M52 was a big mistake from the former Liberal government and locals between Ryde and Parramatta will be well served by the new and improved version of the route.
"The new route 52 will save travel time and run more often, with a 24/7 service that will run every ten minutes during the day and every 30 minutes through the night.
"Buses became the forgotten transport mode under the former government but they carry 800,000 passengers a day. That's why we've hired more drivers, ordered more buses
"Next time you can't find a seat on a bus, remember that the former government failed to order a single bendy bus. We're getting more bendy buses back on the road, including on this new route."
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:
"This is a major win for our community and delivers on a clear election commitment.
"Restoring this connection will make a real difference for people travelling between Parramatta, Ryde and the city.
"These improvements will give residents more choice, better connections and more reliable public transport options."
Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said:
"Ever since the Liberals axed the M52 in early 2021, I have been campaigning to bring it back for our community.
"Labor is delivering where the Liberals failed, restoring this vital link between Ryde and Gladesville to Parramatta and the City
"The wait is almost over. Soon, Labor will restore this fast, reliable service that gets our city moving again."
Ryde Local Councillor Lyndal Howison said:
"After years of tireless community advocacy since the Liberals cut this service, I am happy that the fight to bring it back is over.
"With the return of the 52, the Minns Labor Government is making it easier to choose a greener, cheaper, more sustainable commute.
"This is a big win for our community, our environment, and more buses helps with cost of living too."
