A crucial bus connection between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD through Ryde will be restored.
It comes after the M52 bus service was axed in 2021, despite complaints from politicians and the community.
Now, the State Government says the 50X service will be expanded to Parramatta, restoring the connection of the previous service.
It’s part of a wider bus investment to be announced in next week’s State BUdget.
$56 million will be spent on 50 new articulated or “bendy” buses to address capacity shortages in areas where passengers are currently spending too much time waiting to just get on a bus.
This includes parts of Ryde, Epping, Lane Cove, the Eastern Suburbs and the Northern Beaches.
A $150 million budget boost will also provide more regular school bus services in the fast-growing outer suburbs of Sydney and some regional locations where transport infrastructure has lagged housing development.
The extra routes will be supported by a $26 million spend on new buses to make sure expanded timetables can be delivered.
Services improvements will provide more frequent buses between Liverpool and Parramatta and between Rouse Hill and Parramatta.
“Investing in our bus network is part of our plan to deliver better connected communities,” said Treasurer Daniel Mookhey.
“We’re rebuilding services between Parramatta and the city for thousands of commuters, and delivering better connections for growing regions from the Hunter to the Illawarra.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.