Western Sydney communities from Penrith through to Campbelltown now have a start date for five new permanent bus routes, with the Minns Labor Government announcing the services to Western International Airport will commence on 5 July.
In uncertain times, families want confidence, security and a clear plan for the future and delivering the infrastructure growing communities need is a central part of that plan.
This $302.7 million investment in the five new routes is part of an overall $362.7 million investment allocated to new Western Sydney bus services by the Minns Labor Government since taking office.
Starting three months ahead of passenger airline services, the routes from Penrith (790), Campbelltown (845), Liverpool (825 and 860) and Mount Druitt (772), will be begin connecting surrounding communities and businesses along with locals who work at the new airport in construction and freight.
As Western Sydney continues to grow, these services will ensure local communities are connected to the jobs and economic opportunities created by the new airport.
These communities will now have new buses running every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week from July, with 43 new electric buses that provide a quieter, smoother and more comfortable ride and support the NSW Government's goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
They are fully air conditioned, feature low kerb access and luggage racks to make trips to and from the future airport easier. Fit-out and finishing work took place at the Volgren facility in Ingleburn and at the Foton facility in Nowra as part of a boost for local production and expertise.
These five permanent routes will be complemented by WSI Link, the interim bus service that will connect the new airport to St Mary's train station while the new Western Sydney Airport Metro is being delivered. These 30-minute frequency services will begin when passenger flights commence.
In addition to delivering the bus services to these historically underserved communities, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering improvements to the supporting bus infrastructure including upgrading bus depots, building bus shelters and further road improvements.
The Busways' Penrith depot has now reached a 50% milestone for charging capacity, catering for 18 of the new electric buses. The remaining 25 new electric buses will operate out of the Transit Systems depot at Bradbury, which has been electrified to cater for the new bus fleet.
The NSW Government will also support local councils to build bus shelters, which are common in many parts of Sydney but much rarer in Western Sydney, despite experiencing much hotter temperatures. This support will be delivered through a trial of the $1.5 million Bus Shelter Program, where councils can apply for grants to install bus shelters along new and enhanced routes.
These initiatives will be complemented by work along Badgerys Creek Road to deliver safer and more comfortable access into the new airport, with completion expected by July.
This investment in NSW bus services comes from the Minns Labor Government's 2025 budget commitment of $452 million to increase and improve bus services.
Read about New Bus Services for Western Sydney
Premier Chris Minns said:
"When Western Sydney grows, the transport network needs to grow with it, and that's exactly what we're delivering.
"These new bus routes are about making sure Western Sydney communities are properly connected to the new airport and the economic opportunities it will create.
"We know there's more work to do, but projects like this are part of a clear plan to build the infrastructure our communities need and make sure Western Sydney shares in the opportunities of the future."
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Hundreds and thousands of residents in this part of Sydney have been chronically underserved by buses. The wait for decent bus services will be over in July as these five permanent routes get rolling.
"Whether it's taking up a new job at the new airport or travelling to work anywhere along these routes, these buses will connect the people of Western Sydney to new economic opportunities with a cost-effective convenient transport option.
"These state-of-the-art electric buses have been fitted out in Western Sydney and Nowra as we work to rebuild local bus manufacturing in NSW after the former governments sent all of those jobs overseas.
"This fleet is supported by major upgrades to bus depots and local roads, reflecting feedback received from more than 3000 respondents to our community consultation."
Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"Beyond the state-of-the-art buses themselves, one of the issues raised by people around western Sydney is the need for improved bus waiting facilities to shelter passengers through the summer heat and in times of rain.
"While the installation and ongoing maintenance of bus shelter infrastructure is a council responsibility, we recognise the demands on council and as such are trialling this Bus Shelter Program to encourage Councils to provide shelters for bus passengers.
"Around 1700 electric buses are expected to be operating across Sydney's road network by 2028, delivering long-term environmental and customer benefits, so it's essential all the infrastructure is in place to support their service."
Chris Wolf, Busways Director of Assets and Safety said:
"There has been close collaboration between Busways, Transport for NSW and Endeavour Energy to plan, deliver and commission complex upgrades within an operational depot environment.
"The new onsite 1.5MVA electrical substation was activated in December in a seamless transition of power while the depot remained in full operation.
"The upgrade also supported Western Sydney jobs, with electrical, civil and gantry works delivered by local contractors based in Doonside, Warwick Farm and Prestons.
Rino Matarazzo, Transit Systems Managing Director said:
"These new services are a major step forward for Western Sydney.
"We're increasing frequency, improving connections, and making it easier for people to get to work, school and home safely and reliably.
"Western Sydney is growing rapidly and our network is evolving to meet that demand."
