NSW delays costly rapid bus link for new Western Sydney Airport

A March-dated confidential NSW government paper reveals that progress on the rapid bus network to the Western Sydney International Airport hinges on a distinct investment decision that has yet to be made. The original city-deal commitment from 2018 envisioned high-frequency, fast bus links, but only five conventional routes launched in July, operating half-hourly and taking between 50 and 66 minutes each way. Stage one cost $302.7 million, while the full rapid-bus scheme was budgeted at $1.6 billion in 2022 and would feature 100 new double-deck buses and a depot at the Aerotropolis.

The airport is set to open on October 25, and a land parcel for the depot has already been bought, though negotiations continue for adjacent property. Coalition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward called for a firm delivery schedule, and Labor reiterated its election promise to provide rapid services. The government also faces a separate dispute over a 23-km metro line, which could delay rail completion until 2028.