Big bus boost on the way

Catherine Hill Bay residents will soon have access to Sunday buses for the first time, with a major boost to public transport delivering an extra 148 services every week across the northern Central Coast and Lake Macquarie area.

21 October 2026

 

IN a huge win for locals, the Minns Labor Government is delivering more buses, longer operating hours and better connections between Catherine Hill Bay, Lake Munmorah, Doyalson and Swansea.

 

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said, “This is a huge win for locals and something I have advocated for. For the first time, our communities will have a bus service seven days a week, and that’s something worth celebrating.

 

“Residents have long requested additional services and I am thrilled to confirm that an extra 148 services every week will be delivered. More buses, longer hours and better connections will make a real difference to people’s lives.

 

“Whether you’re heading to work, getting the kids to school or visiting family on a Sunday, you should be able to rely on public transport to get you there.

 

“Our communities are growing, and their bus services need to grow with them. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

 

The overhaul of Route 99 will mean buses running every hour, seven days a week, with services operating until approximately 10pm each night.

 

For Catherine Hill Bay residents, it means having a bus available on Sundays for the first time, making it easier for locals to get to work, visit family, attend appointments or simply get around without relying on a car.

 

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said, “This big boost to bus services will make life easier for locals across the fast-growing northern Central Coast and Lake Macquarie areas.

 

“The Minns Labor Government has listened to what locals need and we are delivering better connections and more buses running hourly and for longer every day – including on Sundays for the first time.

 

“This means locals will have many more options to get where they need and want to go, whether that’s work or school, appointments or catching up with family and friends – and they’re able to do it every day of the week.”

 

The improvements to services include:

 

  • 148 additional services per week on Route 99

 

  • Sunday buses for Catherine Hill Bay for the first time, running hourly from approximately 7am to 10pm

 

  • Additional direct services between Lake Haven, Lake Munmorah, Catherine Hill Bay and Swansea

 

  • Hourly weekday services operating from 5am to 10pm

 

  • Hourly Saturday services operating from 6am to 10pm

 

  • Hourly Sunday services operating from 7am to 10pm

 

  • Better connections with the Newcastle bus network at Swansea

 

  • More late-night services to support workers and the local night-time economy

 

The bus boost will make it easier for students travelling to and from Lake Munmorah High School, St Brigid's Catholic College, St Brendan's Primary School and Swansea High School.

 

The new timetable is being finalised with the bus operator, with services expected to begin in November.

 

The improvements are being delivered through the NSW Government’s $150 million Bus Service Uplift program, which is expanding services in growing communities across the state.

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