Shorter trips from Ocean Shores, buses to Epiq Marketplace for the first time, and a Kyogle link to the morning Sydney train are all on the way, with more than 670 extra weekly bus services coming to the Northern Rivers.
The new services start on Sunday, 6 December, across the Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina, and Casino bus networks.
They will strengthen links to major hospitals, university and TAFE campuses, and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
“These additional bus services will make it easier for people across the Northern Rivers to get where they need to go, whether that’s work, study, medical appointments or other important destinations,” said Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.
Lismore
Routes 661 and 642 will get more services, with direct links to Ballina Airport, Byron Bay, and Mullumbimby.
Selected services will run on Friday and Saturday evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Evans Head also gets an extra afternoon return trip on Route 680.
Byron Bay
Route 640 will run generally hourly, every day, between Ballina Airport, Ballina, and Byron Bay. It takes a more direct path and cuts 10 minutes off the trip.
The new Route 646 slashes weekday travel times from Ocean Shores, Brunswick Heads, and nearby towns by 18 minutes.
More of Byron Bay’s town and beach areas will be covered by Routes 642 and 644.
“We have listened to what our communities need, and by delivering these 670 additional weekly services, we are ensuring our public transport keeps pace with the Northern Rivers’ continued growth and thriving visitor economy,” said Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin.
Ballina
New housing areas in Cumbalum, Lennox Head, and Skennars Head will get extended and uplifted services on Routes 664 and 665.
And Epiq Marketplace will have public buses for the first time.
“Public transport is one of biggest issue that is raised with me by locals across the electorate,” said Labor candidate for Ballina Janet Swain.
“More bus services will mean more options for getting to work, heading into town, catching a flight or visiting family and friends.”
Casino
Route 670 between Kyogle, Casino, and Lismore will get more services across the week, including weekends and public holidays.
It will connect with Casino Station, giving Kyogle and Lismore passengers a link to the 8.21am Casino to Sydney NSW TrainLink service.
The route will also reach more of Casino, including Casino Hospital, Casino Olympic Pool, ALDI, and Casino Post Office on Barker Street.
“These improvements will see real, tangible benefits for local communities right across Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina and Casino, helping people stay connected to jobs, education, healthcare and the places they visit every day,” Ms Saffin said.
The bigger picture
The Northern Rivers boost is part of 9,000 additional weekly bus services across the state since the Minns Government came to office in 2023.
Over that time, the state’s bus driver shortage has been cut from 500 to around 200.
“Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has rolled out more than 9,000 additional bus services across the state, with 1,200 of these being in regional NSW, making travel easier for passengers everywhere,” Ms Aitchison said.
“We’re also making sure our growing communities have better and more frequent access to the bus network as more people move into the area,” Ms Swain said.
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