Bus changes set to come into effect from January have caused a stir, as a popular limited-stop service, linking Parramatta to Circular Quay is axed.
Transport for NSW recently announced more than 700 additional bus services will be added to the North West and parts of the Lower North Shore from early next year, as part of network changes that will see two new all-day frequent routes being introduced.
However, amid these additional services, the M52 bus which operates along Victoria Road as an express bus from Parramatta to the City, and the 520 are to be withdrawn.
City of Parramatta Councillor Patricia Prociv put forward a motion of urgency at a recent Council meeting, calling for Council to request a response from Transport for NSW to outline their community consultation on the matter, as well as seeking clarification on changes that would impact commuters.
However, this was voted down.
Cr Prociv said regardless of whether it is a State or Local government matter, the Council should be advocating for adequate transport services for its ratepayers.
“We have to advocate for our community, that’s our job,” she told Parra News.
“The bus that actually goes to the city will now be an all stops bus which will be slow and people will now have to get off and change. They said when rejecting my urgent motion to put it up next year but our first meeting isn’t until February; that’s too late.”
The two new services are route 120 – Chatswood to City QV and route 500X – West Ryde to City Hyde Park.
Parra News can confirm customers travelling from somewhere along Victoria Road to Parramatta on the 501 will not need to change at West Ryde as the existing route, which currently terminates at West Ryde, will be extended to Parramatta.
The M52 and 520 will be replaced by the route 500X between West Ryde and the city, and by route 501 (Parramatta to Central Pitt Street) between Parramatta and West Ryde.
Customers who currently use route M52 from a location west of West Ryde and travel to Town Hall can transfer to the new route 500X at Top Ryde Shopping Centre if they wish to travel direct to Town Hall.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the all-day frequent network will improve most customers’ access.
“To help reduce duplication on the network, some routes are being replaced by new routes or extra services on other routes,” the spokesperson said.
“This ensures that we are operating the most efficient network possible where resources, such as buses and drivers, are re-deployed to provide new, extra and more frequent services where they are needed.”
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.