The first of 13 new articulated “bendy” buses for Sydney’s North Shore and West has arrived at Busways’ Ryde Depot, as part of a Transport for NSW rollout of 50 new high-capacity buses across the network.

At the same time, 22 articulated buses that had been out of service have now returned to operation following repairs coordinated by the NSW Government.

The additional vehicles will increase passenger capacity on some of the region’s busiest routes serving from Sydney CBD to Parramatta and surrounds.

Articulated buses are around 18 metres long and can carry significantly more passengers than a standard single-deck bus, making them well suited to high-demand corridors with frequent stops.

Transport Minister John Graham visited Busways Ryde Depot to mark the arrival of the first vehicle and announce the broader network improvements, together with member for Parramatta Donna Davis and Ryde City Councillor Lyndal Howison. 

The expanded fleet will support the Government’s extension of the 500X service to Parramatta, restoring a direct link between Ryde and Parramatta CBD, starting later this year.

Busways’ teams have been preparing for the new vehicles, including driver familiarisation, depot readiness and maintenance planning to bring the buses into service.

Jason Roberts, Busways Director, Service Delivery Metro in Sydney, said the work behind the scenes ensures the additional capacity can be delivered quickly and safely.

“Introducing articulated buses requires careful preparation – from depot infrastructure and maintenance capability through to driver training and route readiness,” Mr Roberts said.

“Our teams have been working closely with Transport for NSW to prepare these new vehicles for service and return the repaired bendy buses to the road as quickly as possible.”

Mr Roberts said the additional buses would support growing demand on the network, but skilled drivers remain essential to delivering services.

“New buses are an important part of strengthening the network, and they still need professional drivers behind the wheel,” he said.

“We’re currently recruiting around 50 additional drivers across the region. For people looking for a stable career with training provided, bus driving is a great way to be part of keeping the city moving.”

Once all 13 new vehicles arrive, Busways will operate an expanded articulated fleet to support high-demand services across North Shore and West Sydney contract region.

View Channel Nine News story.