Metrobus (Sydney)

Metrobus (stylised as metrobus) is an Australian high frequency, high capacity bus network in Sydney that links key employment and growth centres. Metrobuses run every 10 minutes during peak periods, 15 minutes during off-peak weekday periods, and 20 minutes on weekends, with the intention of making timetables obsolete. All buses were initially painted in a distinctive red livery but recently, the standard Transport for NSW livery of blue and white has been adopted. All Metrobuses are wheelchair accessible. All route numbers were prefixed with an "M" followed by 2 numbers.

Metrobus

Overview
Owner	Transport for NSW
Locale	Sydney
Transit type	Bus
Number of lines	6
Operation
Began operation	2008-2011
Operator(s)	Hillsbus State Transit Transdev NSW Transit Systems

Metrobus blade stop sign at Chester Hill with the name of the stop and a red lower section indicating that the stop is served by Metrobuses

History

Sydney Buses Volgren bodied Volvo B12BLEA

Hillsbus Volgren bodied Scania K280UB in July 2013

Transdev NSW Volgren bodied Volvo B7RLE in June 2015

The network originally operated along bus trunk routes through the inner suburbs, but passed through the CBD rather than terminating there. This reduced overcrowding on the trunk routes without needing to layover extra buses in the CBD. This concept was later diluted with the network's expansion to include long distance routes servicing major activity centres in outer suburbs.

The first route, M10 from Leichhardt to Kingsford, began operation on a 12-month trial basis on 12 October 2008.[1] During this period nine regular and six high-capacity buses with different seating arrangements were dedicated to the route.[2]

In March 2009 an expansion of the Metrobus network with the addition of four further routes serving the inner suburbs (M20, M30, M40, M50) was announced.[3]

In July 2010 it was announced a further eight new Metrobus routes were to be rolled out in 2011 to service suburbs in Sydney's west, north, north-west, south and south-west (M41, M52, M54, M60, M61, M90, M91, M92).[4] This saw Hillsbus and Veolia Transport (now Transdev NSW) become Metrobus operators.

Routes M10, M20, M30, M41 and M50 were included in the transfer of region 6 from State Transit to Transit Systems on 1 July 2018.[5]

During April and May 2019, as part of the opening of Sydney Metro, a number of Metrobus services were renumbered to 3-digit numerical routes, dropping the "M" prefix.[6] while two others were renumbered in February 2020.[7] As of February 2020, only six Metrobus services remain.

Operational history[8]

Date	Commenced	Notes
M10	12 Oct 2008
M20	26 Oct 2009	renumbered 320 in February 2020[7]
M30	28 Mar 2010	renumbered 430 in February 2020[7]
M40	18 Jul 2010	renumbered 340 in April 2019[6]
M41	9 Dec 2010	renumbered 410 in April 2019[6]
M50	31 Oct 2010
M52	8 Aug 2010
M54	10 Oct 2010	renumbered 550 in April 2019[6]
M60	7 Mar 2011	renumbered 600 in May 2019[6]
M61	20 Dec 2010	included back in 610X in May 2019[6]
M90	6 Dec 2010
M91	7 Feb 2011
M92	14 Mar 2011

Tickets & fares

All Metrobus services use the Opal card system to validate tickets. Metrobus routes M10, M20, M30, M40, M50 have been full-time pre-pay only services since introduction and require passengers to purchase a ticket before boarding. M52, M54, M60 and M61 also became pre-pay during 2018 and 2019.

Routes

M10: Leichhardt to Maroubra Junction

M10
Overview
Operator	Transit Systems
Began service	12 October 2008
Former operator(s)	State Transit
Route
Start	Leichhardt
Via	Camperdown Central station Museum station Taylor Square University of New South Wales Kingsford
End	Maroubra Junction
Service
Level	Daily

Route M10 runs from Leichhardt to Maroubra Junction via Parramatta Road and Anzac Parade, and commenced on 12 October 2008.[9] Route M10 connects with Sydney Trains stations at Central and Museum. It also allows passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Broadway, Railway Square, Cleveland Street and Kingsford.

On 28 December 2008, route M10 was curtailed to Leichhardt Town Hall no longer operating to MarketPlace due to issues raised by Leichhardt Council regarding buses laying over in Lords Road. On 14 November 2010, route M10 was extended to the corner of Norton and William Streets at Leichhardt Pioneer Park. On 26 October 2009, it was extended from Kingsford to Maroubra Junction. Route M10 originally proceeded up George Street before turning into Park and Elizabeth Streets. On 4 October 2015, to facilitate the construction of CBD and South East Light Rail, it was altered to operate via Pitt Street, Eddy Avenue and Elizabeth Street in the Maroubra Junction direction, and via Elizabeth Street, Hay Street and Pitt Street in the Leichhardt direction.[10] Operation of the route passed from State Transit to Transit Systems with region 6 on 1 July 2018.[5] On 9 February 2020, M10 was altered to run via Rawson Place, stopping at Haymarket light rail/bus stop to allow cross-platform transfer to and from L2 and L3 light rail services.[7]

After the CBD and South East Light Rail is completed, it is proposed to abolish the City to Maroubra Junction section.[11]

M20: Gore Hill to Botany

M20
Overview
Operator	Transit Systems
Began service	26 October 2009
Ended service	8 February 2020
Former operator(s)	State Transit
Route
Start	Gore Hill
Via	North Sydney Town Hall station Central station Green Square Mascot
End	Botany
Service
Level	Daily

Route M20 ran from Gore Hill to Botany via the Pacific Highway, Town Hall station and Botany Road, and commenced on 26 October 2009.[9]

It connected with Sydney Trains stations at St Leonards, North Sydney, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central. It also allowed passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Queen Victoria Building and Railway Square. Route M20 originally terminated at Mascot, before being extended to Botany shops on 27 February 2011.[12] Short-working trips were later introduced between Wynyard and Zetland. Operation of the route passed from State Transit to Transit Systems with region 6 on 1 July 2018.[5] It was renumbered as route 320 on 9 February 2020 and cut back from Botany to Mascot.[7]

M30: Taronga Zoo to Sydenham

M30
Overview
Operator	Transit Systems
Began service	28 March 2010
Ended service	8 February 2020
Former operator(s)	State Transit
Route
Start	Taronga Zoo
Via	Mosman Cremorne Town Hall station Central station Sydney University Newtown station
End	Sydenham station
Service
Level	Daily

Route M30 ran from Taronga Zoo to Sydenham station via Military Road, Town Hall station and King Street, and commenced on 28 March 2010.[9]

It connected with Sydney Trains stations at Wynyard, Town Hall, Central, Newtown and Sydenham. It also allowed passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Neutral Bay Junction, Queen Victoria Building and Railway Square. This service was originally planned to terminate at Enmore Park although Sydenham was chosen as a more appropriate terminus. Route M30 originally operated between Town Hall and Central stations via George Street. On 4 October 2015, to facilitate the construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail, it was diverted to operate via Park Street, Castlereagh Street, Hay Street and Pitt Street in the Sydenham direction, and via Pitt Street, Eddy Avenue, Elizabeth Street and Park Street in the Spit Junction direction.[10] Operation of the route passed from State Transit to Transit Systems with region 6 on 1 July 2018.[5] It was renumbered as route 430 on 9 February 2020.[7]

M40: Chatswood to Bondi Junction

M40
Overview
Operator	State Transit
Began service	18 July 2010
Ended service	27 April 2019
Route
Start	Chatswood station
Via	Willoughby Town Hall station Museum station Taylor Square Paddington
End	Bondi Junction station
Service
Level	Daily

Route M40 ran from Chatswood station to Bondi Junction station via Willoughby Road, Wynyard station, Town Hall station and Oxford Street, and commenced on 18 July 2010.[9]

It connected with Sydney Trains stations at Chatswood, Wynyard, Town Hall, Museum and Bondi Junction stations. It also allowed passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Chatswood, Queen Victoria Building, Wynyard, and Bondi Junction. M40 was renumbered 340 on 28 April 2019.[6] On 4 October 2015, in conjunction with bus network changes to facilitate the construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail, it was diverted to operate via College Street and Park Street in both directions instead of via Liverpool Street and Elizabeth Street.[10] M40 was renumbered 340 on 28 April 2019.[6]

M41: Hurstville to Marsfield

M41
Overview
Operator	Transit Systems
Began service	19 December 2010
Ended service	27 April 2019
Former operator(s)	State Transit
Route
Start	Hurstville
Via	Bexley North station Clemton Park Campsie station Burwood station Concord Hospital Rhodes station Top Ryde City Macquarie Centre
End	Marsfield
Service
Level	Daily

Route M41 ran from Hurstville to Marsfield via Bexley North, Clemton Park, Campsie, Burwood, Concord Hospital, Top Ryde City and Macquarie Centre, and commenced on 19 December 2010.[13] It connected passengers to Sydney Trains stations at Hurstville, Bexley North, Campsie, Burwood, Rhodes, Macquarie Park and Macquarie University. It also allowed passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Hurstville, Top Ryde City and Macquarie Centre. Operation of the route passed from State Transit to Transit Systems with region 6 on 1 July 2018.[5] M41 was renumbered 410 on 28 April 2019.[6]

M50: Drummoyne to Coogee

M50
Overview
Operator	Transit Systems
Began service	31 October 2010
Former operator(s)	State Transit
Route
Start	Drummoyne
Via	Town Hall station Central station Cleveland Street Randwick
End	Coogee Beach
Service
Level	Daily

Route M50 runs from Drummoyne to Coogee Beach via Victoria Road, the Anzac Bridge, CBD, Fox Studios, Randwick Racecourse, Randwick shops and The Spot, and commenced on 31 October 2010. Route M50 connects with Sydney Trains stations at Town Hall, and Museum. It also allows passengers to transfer to regular buses to the Moore Park area. This service was originally planned to terminate at Randwick although Coogee Beach was decided to be a more appropriate terminus.

Route M50 originally ran along Anazc Parade and High Street, passing through Kensington, University of New South Wales and the Prince of Wales Hospital. Due to construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail along High Street, in March 2017, route M50 was amended to operate via Alison and Belmore Roads.[14] Operation of the route passed from State Transit to Transit Systems with region 6 on 1 July 2018.[5]

When the CBD and South East Light Rail is completed, it is proposed to abolish the city to Coogee section.[11]

M52: Parramatta to Circular Quay

M52
Overview
Operator	State Transit
Began service	8 August 2010
Predecessors	Route L20
Route
Start	Parramatta station
Via	Rydalmere Top Ryde City Gladesville Drummoyne Town Hall station Martin Place station
End	Circular Quay
Service
Level	Daily

Route M52 runs from Parramatta to Circular Quay via Victoria Road, Top Ryde City, Town Hall station and commenced on 8 August 2010. It replaced route L20 and is supplemented by the 520 route outside of M52 operating hours.

Route M52 connects passengers to Sydney Trains stations at Parramatta, West Ryde, Town Hall, St James and Circular Quay. It also allows passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Parramatta, Top Ryde, Queen Victoria Building and Circular Quay. Route M52 originally proceeded down George Street. On 4 October 2015, to facilitate the construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail, it was diverted to operate via Park and Elizabeth Streets instead of George Street.[10]

M54: Parramatta to Macquarie Park

M54
Overview
Operator	State Transit
Began service	10 October 2010
Ended service	27 April 2019
Predecessors	Route 548
Night-time	Yes
Route
Start	Parramatta station
Via	Carlingford station Epping station Macquarie University station
End	Macquarie Park
Service
Level	Daily

Route M54 ran from Parramatta station to Macquarie Park via Carlingford and Epping, and commenced on 10 October 2010. Route M54 replaced route 548, which was formerly Harris Park Transport route 624.

It connected with Sydney Trains stations at Parramatta, Carlingford, Epping, Macquarie University, and Macquarie Park. It also allowed passengers to transfer to regular buses to outer suburbs of Sydney at major transport interchanges such as Parramatta, Epping, and Macquarie Centre. On 5 June 2016, route M54 was extended to operate extra half-hourly services nightly between 8:00pm and midnight. On 6 May 2018, route M54 was extended to operate overnight services at an hourly frequency seven nights a week, thus becoming a 24-hour service. Operation of the route passed from State Transit to Transit Systems with region 6 on 1 July 2018.[5] M54 was renumbered 550 on 28 April 2019.[6]

M60: Parramatta to Hornsby

M60
Overview
Operator	Hillsbus
Began service	7 March 2011
Ended service	25 May 2019
Predecessors	Route 600
Route
Start	Parramatta station
Via	Baulkham Hills Castle Hill Cherrybrook Pennant Hills station Thornleigh Normanhurst Waitara
End	Hornsby
Service
Level	Daily

Route M60 ran from Parramatta station to Hornsby via Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, Thornleigh and Normanhurst, and commenced on 7 March 2011.[15]

It connected with Parramatta, Pennant Hills and Hornsby Sydney Trains stations and other bus services at major interchanges Parramatta, Castle Hill and Hornsby. At commencement, M60 replaced daytime 600 services between Parramatta and Castle Hill which operated early morning and late night and one in the afternoon on weekdays and some limited 600 services between Parramatta and Cherrybrook. Other remaining 600 services were replaced on 3 June 2018[16] M60 was renumbered back to 600 on 26 May 2019.[6]

M61: Castle Hill to Queen Victoria Building

M61
Overview
Operator	Hillsbus
Began service	20 December 2010
Ended service	25 May 2019
Predecessors	Route 610 (some trips) Route 610X (some trips)
Route
Start	Castle Hill
Via	Baulkham Hills M2 Motorway
End	Queen Victoria Building
Service
Level	Daily with all night on Fridays and Saturdays

Route M61 ran from Castle Hill to the Queen Victoria Building via Baulkham Hills and the M2 Motorway and complemented the existing 610X service. It commenced on 20 December 2010.[17]

It allowed passengers to connect with services to Kellyville, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Bella Vista and Stanhope Gardens at bus stops along the M2 Motorway, as well as the Castle Hill Interchange. Route M61 originally continued south of the Queen Victoria Building to Railway Square via George Street until 4 October 2015 when it was curtailed to facilitate the construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail.[10] In 2017, 610X services that ran between Castle Hill and City only were renumbered M61. M61 ceased operating on 26 May 2019 with all services renumbered 610X.[6]

M90: Burwood to Liverpool

M90
Overview
Operator	Transdev NSW
Began service	6 December 2010
Predecessors	Route 900
Route
Start	Westfield Burwood
Via	Strathfield station Chullora Bankstown station Milperra Moorebank
End	Liverpool
Service
Level	Daily

Route M90 runs from Westfield Burwood to Liverpool station via Strathfield, Chullora, Greenacre, Bankstown, Milperra and Moorebank, and commenced on 6 December 2010.[18] Route M90 replaced the 900 service and connects with Sydney Trains stations at Burwood, Strathfield, Bankstown, and Liverpool.[19]

M91: Parramatta to Hurstville

M91
Overview
Operator	Transdev NSW
Began service	7 February 2011
Predecessors	Route 910 Route 948
Route
Start	Parramatta station
Via	Granville station Chester Hill Yagoona Bankstown station Padstow station Peakhurst Penshurst
End	Hurstville
Service
Level	Daily

Route M91 runs from Parramatta to Hurstville via Granville, Chester Hill, Yagoona, Bankstown, Padstow, Peakhurst and Penshurst, and commenced on 7 February 2011.[18] Route M91 replaced the 910 and 948 services and connects with Sydney Trains stations at Parramatta, Granville, Chester Hill, Yagoona, Bankstown, Padstow, and Hurstville.

M92: Parramatta to Sutherland

M92
Overview
Operator	Transdev NSW
Began service	14 March 2011
Route
Start	Parramatta station
Via	Rosehill station Lidcombe station Bankstown station Padstow
End	Sutherland station
Service
Level	Daily

Route M92 runs from Parramatta station to Sutherland via Lidcombe, Bankstown, Padstow and Menai and began 14 March 2011, it was the last Metrobus route launched.[18] it connects with the Sydney Trains stations at Parramatta, Rosehill, Lidcombe, Bankstown, Padstow and Sutherland. Until December 2018, the route largely duplicated route 962 between Bankstown and Sutherland, with the difference that M92 bypasses Illawong and Menai Marketplace. The duplication ended with the rerouting of 962 to East Hills instead of Bankstown in December 2018.

Fleet

When operations commenced, services were operated by dedicated fleets in a red livery. As new buses have been delivered these have been painted in Transport for NSW's white and blue livery.

References

1. Quarterly Performance Information October-December 2012 State Transit
2. "All aboard: super-size buses will leave others standing" Sydney Morning Herald 16 August 2007
3. Expansion of Metrobus Network Across Sydney Office of the Premier of New South Wales 25 March 2009
4. "Boost for Sydney's red bus network" Sydney Morning Herald 20 July 2010
5. Transit Systems Boosts Inner West Bus Services Transport for NSW 13 February 2018
6. "Service adjustments 2019". Transport Info NSW. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
7. "Bus service changes for the Inner West and Northern Beaches". Transport NSW Info. 26 January 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
8. "Annual Report for year ended 30 June 2011" (PDF). Department of Transport. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2016.
9. "Metrobus Developments: Australian Bus issue 41 September 2010 page 16
10. "A new CBD bus network" (PDF). Transport for NSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016.
11. CSELR-Environmental-Impact-Statement Volume 2: Technical Papers 1 & 2 Transport for NSW 14 November 2013 (pdf 36MB)
12. Metrobus M20 extended to Botany Shops from 27 February 2011 NSW Transport
13. M41 – Hurstville to Macquarie Park starts Sunday, 19 December NSW Transport
14. South East bus changes March 2017, Transport for NSW
15. Metrobus M60 ComfortDelGro Cabcharge
16. Western Sydney bus service improvements Transport for NSW
17. Metrobus M61 ComfortDelGro Cabcharge
18. Metrobus Transdev NSW
19. Timelines - Sydney Region Route Number System Sydney Private Bus Routes

External links

• Media related to Metrobus (Sydney) at Wikimedia Commons
• Transport Info Metrobus home page
• Transport for NSW Metrobus home page