Think tank urges ten new rapid-bus corridors to bridge Sydney's north-south gaps

An urban think tank, the Committee for Sydney, has put forward a plan for ten new rapid-bus corridors that would link Sydney’s north-south corridors, especially across the western suburbs. The proposal envisions using current roadways, granting buses exclusive lanes, priority signals and stops spaced at least one kilometre apart, echoing recommendations from a 2023 NSW Bus Industry Taskforce report. CEO Eamon Waterford described the current system as a “bicycle wheel” centred on Central and argued the orbital routes would turn it into a “spider web,” encouraging 80-90 % of western commuters who currently drive to switch to rapid bus.

Local leaders such as Penrith mayor Todd Carney and Hills Shire mayor Michelle Byrne stressed the need for immediate, reliable transport options, while Transport Minister John Graham said expanding the bus network is a priority for the Minns Labor government. The scheme would not replace the metro but serve as a quicker, lower-cost alternative that could be delivered in the next term. It also calls for improvements to existing T-ways and connections to Western Sydney Airport.