All public transport buses across the Hunter and Lower North Coast are now fitted with smart technology which means customers will be able to view reliable timetable information and real-time trip updates any time they use buses in their local area.
Over recent months, GPS tracking devices and automatic passenger counting systems have been fitted on 233 buses across a region stretching from from Diamond Head in the north to Cessnock in the south and as far inland as Cassilis, as part of the Transport Connected Bus (TCB) program.
This means passengers who use bus services in the Cessnock, Maitland, Myall Lakes, Port Stephens and Upper Hunter electorates can find out where their bus is in real time, how soon it is due to arrive and how full it is.
They can also use Transport for NSW's website or mobile apps such as TripView to access digital timetable information.
The technology has been installed on all regular passenger route buses and school buses, meaning parents can digitally track the bus their child is on in real time.
The Hunter and Lower North Coast was the first of the regional NSW areas completed under Phase 3 of the Transport Connected Bus program. Transport for NSW worked with 22 bus operators during the roll out.
Locations serviced by these buses include Aberdeen, Broke, Buladelah, Cassilis, Cessnock, Denman, Dungog, East Maitland, Forster, Gloucester, Hawks Nest, Karuah, Lochinvar, Maitland, Medowie, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Nabiac, Old Bar, Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace, Rutherford, Scone, Seaham, Singleton, Smiths Lake, Taree, Tinonee and Tea Gardens.
Buses in Newcastle that are part of the Opal network already have similar technology.
The TCB program is progressively rolling out this technology across regional NSW. By the end of June 2025, the entire NSW fleet of Transport-contracted buses will be tracked.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"It is fantastic that across the Hunter and Lower North Coast all regular route and school buses are now fitted with the technology, which means that passengers can access user-friendly and reliable trip information at their fingertips.
"Being able to better plan their journey is a game-changer for many people who rely on buses in regional NSW. It will greatly improve the public transport experience, making it a more accessible and stress-free option.
"The technology also gives bus operators extra tools to manage their operations and keep services running on time and it provides Transport for NSW with reporting and analytics functions to enable better planning of public transport services."
Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"The Transport Connected Bus program will revolutionise travel for residents of the Hunter, making sure they can track their bus in real time and plan their journeys more efficiently.
"As the Hunter region grows, the NSW Government knows we must grow with it which is why we're modernising the public transport system.
"Whether checking real-time bus arrivals via mobile apps or accessing digital timetables online, the NSW Government is committed to bettering commuter convenience."
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
"We've had so many problems in the past not knowing when or if a school bus was going to turn up.
"Now parents will have the ability to receive live updates of their children's school buses making school bus travel easier and safer.
"This is a great initiative that's been long overdue in the regions - our local community is going to love it."
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
"The smart technology will enable bus users to be able to view where the bus is in real-time which enables them to better plan their journey.
"With the technology installed on passenger route and school buses it will also give parents peace of mind to always know where the bus and child is located."
NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:
"Enabling real-time tracking on bus routes in the Hunter and Lower North Coast will make a massive difference to people in these regional communities who rely on public transport to get around.
"Users can now track where their bus is in real-time, just as if they were in the city, allowing for better trip planning and reliability.
"Parents and carers can rest assured with the added benefit of knowing where the school bus is, making the after-school rush just that little bit easier."
