Sydney's 35 rapid bus routes cost $5.8 billion, but none announced yet
Secret government modelling shows 35 rapid bus routes across Sydney would cost about $5.8 billion upfront plus $760 million yearly to operate.
NSW transport officials estimated three years ago that 35 new rapid bus routes would cost about $5.8 billion to build, plus $760 million each year to run. The Minns government has not announced plans for a single rapid route despite the modelling and an 18-month bus network review.
A state-commissioned taskforce urged the government in early 2024 to develop four routes along Parramatta, Victoria and Bondi roads and to Western Sydney Airport within four years. Industry leader John Lee said commuters on those three major city routes would be frustrated that nothing has happened nearly three years after the recommendations.
Rapid bus routes cost four times less than light rail and are more flexible, he added. The only rapid bus service delivered in a decade was the $514 million northern beaches B-Line from Wynyard to Mona Vale.
- $5.8 billion upfront
- Cost for 35 rapid routes
- $760 million
- Annual operating cost
- $514 million from Wynyard to Mona Vale
- B-Line cost (decade-old project)
- Nearly 3 years
- Time since recommendations
Why it mattersRapid bus routes could solve Sydney's transport congestion at a fraction of metro rail costs, but government delay means commuters stay stuck.
AustraliaSydney commuters on major roads like Parramatta Road, Victoria Road and Bondi Road remain trapped in traffic while the government sits on an affordable solution.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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