People travelling across the Central Coast will soon have more bus options, especially during evenings and weekends. The NSW Government has announced 187 additional weekly bus services, with changes scheduled to begin on Sunday, 22 November 2026.
The announcement also includes 44 new locally built buses for Newcastle, expected to enter service from early 2027.
These changes are important for commuters, students, workers and local businesses. They are also worth following if you are interested in the bus and transport industry, where reliable services and qualified drivers play an important role.
In this guide, we explain the Central Coast bus service changes, the routes affected, what is happening in Newcastle and what the developments could mean for people considering a bus driving career.
What is changing with Central Coast bus services in 2026?
The NSW Government has announced 187 additional weekly bus services across the Central Coast.
The changes will provide longer operating hours, improved weekend connections and more late-night travel options. Some services will also have updated departure times, so passengers should check their journeys before travelling.
The main routes included in the service improvements are:
- Route 55 – Ettalong, Umina, Woy Woy and Gosford.
- Route 67 – Gosford, Terrigal and North Avoca.
- Route 68 – Gosford, Terrigal and Wamberal.
- Route 99 – Lake Haven, Lake Munmorah, Catherine Hill Bay, Swansea and Charlestown.
The changes are planned to improve connections with local centres, schools and train services.
Central Coast bus route changes from 22 November 2026
Here is a closer look at the main route improvements.
Route 55: Ettalong to Gosford via Woy Woy
Route 55 will receive improved evening and Sunday services.
Selected night services and all Sunday trips will be extended between Woy Woy and Gosford. This will provide more direct travel options for people travelling between Ettalong, Umina and Gosford.
The Sunday service frequency between Woy Woy and Gosford will improve to one bus every 60 minutes.
There will also be later departures from Gosford on Friday and Saturday nights, running until around 11 pm.
This change should make it easier for passengers who work late, visit local businesses or need public transport during the weekend.
Routes 67 and 68: Gosford, Terrigal, North Avoca and Wamberal
Routes 67 and 68 will have longer operating hours across all seven days of the week.
The two routes will provide a combined service frequency of approximately every 30 minutes until late at night.
There will also be additional hourly services on Friday and Saturday nights until 3 am.
These improvements are particularly useful for people travelling between Gosford, Terrigal, North Avoca and Wamberal.
Late-night transport can also support local restaurants, hospitality businesses and people working outside standard office hours.
Route 99: Lake Haven to Charlestown
Route 99 will receive longer operating hours throughout the week and additional direct services.
The changes will improve connections through:
- Lake Haven
- Lake Munmorah
- Catherine Hill Bay
- Swansea
- Charlestown
One important improvement is the introduction of Sunday services to Catherine Hill Bay and Swansea.
The changes will also provide better connections with the Newcastle bus network at Swansea.
For students in Catherine Hill Bay, additional services will help with travel to local schools, including Swansea High School.
Route 53 and other timetable changes
Passengers should also be aware of changes to Route 53, which connects Woy Woy and Booker Bay. An additional Saturday night trip is planned, along with some timetable adjustments.
The existing Saturday night Route 55/3 service will be discontinued. Passengers affected by this change should check the replacement Route 53 or Route 55 options.
There are also school bus changes involving Routes 2118 and 2807. Affected students and families should follow the information provided by their school and bus operator.
Important: Not every change means an extra service on every route. Some departure times and existing services are changing, so checking the updated timetable is essential.
Newcastle is getting 44 new buses
Alongside the Central Coast service improvements, Newcastle is set to receive 44 new buses.
The new vehicles are expected to enter service from early 2027. They will be fully accessible and equipped with updated safety technology and passenger information systems.
One interesting part of this announcement is that the buses are being built in regional NSW.
The bus bodies are being manufactured by Express Coaches in Macksville, using Volvo Australia chassis. The project is expected to support around 66 manufacturing jobs.
This is a positive development for local manufacturing and the transport industry.
Modern buses can improve the passenger experience through better accessibility, safety features and clearer travel information. They also show how investment in public transport can support jobs beyond driving, including manufacturing, maintenance and fleet operations.
How these changes could benefit Central Coast communities
Better bus services are about more than adding trips to a timetable. They can make everyday travel easier for people who depend on public transport.
Here are some of the potential benefits.
Better access to work
Longer operating hours can give workers more flexibility, particularly those in hospitality, retail, healthcare and other industries with early or late shifts.
More weekend travel options
Improved Sunday services and additional weekend trips can make it easier to visit family, attend appointments and access local businesses.
Improved access to education
Additional services around Catherine Hill Bay and Swansea can help students travel to school more conveniently.
Better connections between communities
The Route 99 improvements will strengthen connections between the Central Coast and the Newcastle bus network at Swansea.
Support for local businesses
More evening and weekend transport options may make it easier for customers and workers to reach local shops, restaurants and other businesses.
What does the bus expansion mean for bus driver jobs?
More bus services need to be operated, scheduled and maintained. That makes trained drivers an important part of the public transport network.
However, it is important to understand that 187 additional weekly services do not mean 187 new bus driver jobs. The number of additional drivers required will depend on operator rosters, vehicle availability, existing staff and the way services are scheduled.
The NSW Government has reported that the state’s bus driver shortage has reduced from around 500 to approximately 200.
This is a government-reported workforce estimate, not a list of confirmed vacancies. Actual job opportunities will vary between bus operators and locations.
For people considering a career in the transport industry, the announcement is a useful reminder that bus services continue to develop across NSW.
You can also read our guide to Bus Driver Jobs in Sydney to learn more about starting a career in the industry.
What licence do you need to become a bus driver in NSW?
The licence class required depends on the size and specifications of the bus.
Depending on the vehicle, a driver may need an LR, MR or HR heavy vehicle licence.
- LR licence: May cover smaller buses that meet the light rigid vehicle requirements.
- MR licence: May be suitable for medium rigid buses, depending on their specifications.
- HR licence: Covers larger heavy rigid vehicles that meet the relevant requirements.
The correct licence depends on factors such as the vehicle’s gross vehicle mass and axle configuration. You should check the requirements for the particular vehicle you intend to drive.
In addition to the correct licence, drivers operating public passenger buses in NSW generally need a Bus Driver Authority from Transport for NSW.
The authority process includes eligibility requirements and checks. These can include medical and police checks and the required training evidence.
You can find the current eligibility information on the NSW Government’s bus driver requirements page.
Where can you get bus driver training in NSW?
If you are thinking about becoming a bus driver, practical training is an important step.
At Guru Truck & Bus Driving School, we provide practical heavy vehicle training and bus training at our Prestons and Oran Park locations.
Our training options include LR, MR, HR, HC and MC licence courses, as well as bus training and guidance on the bus driving pathway.
Training can help learners develop important skills such as:
- Understanding vehicle controls and safety checks.
- Correct road positioning and lane changes.
- Safe turning and braking techniques.
- Reversing and vehicle manoeuvring.
- Developing confidence in different road conditions.
- Understanding the responsibilities of driving a larger passenger vehicle.
If you are exploring this career, take a look at our Bus Driver Training Courses in Sydney to learn more about available training options.
You can also visit our Bus Licence Guide to understand the different licence pathways.
Why practical bus training matters
Driving a bus involves more responsibility than simply operating a large vehicle.
A bus driver needs to understand the vehicle, follow road rules, drive smoothly and keep passengers safe. They also need good awareness of traffic, road conditions and other road users.
Practical lessons give learners the opportunity to build these skills with guidance from an experienced trainer.
At Guru Truck & Bus Driving School, our focus is on helping learners develop safe driving habits and prepare for the requirements of their chosen licence pathway.
For course information, contact our team:
Guru Truck & Bus Driving School
- Phone: 0433 266 831
- Prestons: 14–16 Whyalla Place, Prestons NSW 2170
- Oran Park: 58 Courtney Loop, Oran Park NSW 2570
- Website: https://gurutruckdrivingschool.com.au/
How to check the new Central Coast bus timetables
If you regularly use Central Coast buses, it is a good idea to check your route before the changes begin.
You can use the official Transport for NSW Trip Planner and service updates to check departure times and plan your journey.
Busways has also published information about the Central Coast bus service improvements from 22 November.
Pay particular attention if you use Routes 53, 55, 67, 68 or 99, as some departure times and service patterns will change.
For school travel, check the information supplied by your school and bus operator, especially if you use Routes 2118 or 2807.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new Central Coast bus services start?
The main Central Coast service improvements are scheduled to begin on Sunday, 22 November 2026. Some school bus changes will apply from Monday, 23 November.
How many extra weekly bus services are being added?
The NSW Government has announced 187 additional weekly bus services for the Central Coast.
Which Central Coast bus routes are changing?
The main service improvements cover Routes 55, 67, 68 and 99. There are also associated timetable changes to Route 53 and changes to some school services.
Will Route 67 and Route 68 run later at night?
Yes. The routes will have longer operating hours seven days a week, with additional hourly services on Friday and Saturday nights until 3 am.
Will Route 99 run on Sundays to Catherine Hill Bay and Swansea?
Yes. New Sunday services to Catherine Hill Bay and Swansea are included in the announced improvements.
How many new buses are coming to Newcastle?
Newcastle is expected to receive 44 new fully accessible buses from early 2027.
Where are the new Newcastle buses being built?
The bus bodies are being built by Express Coaches in Macksville, NSW, using Volvo Australia chassis.
Could the service improvements create more bus driver jobs?
They may increase staffing needs for some operators, but the announcement does not confirm a specific number of new driver positions. People interested in applying should check current vacancies directly with bus operators.
Final thoughts
The Central Coast bus services 2026 announcement brings useful improvements for passengers, with 187 additional weekly trips, longer operating hours and better weekend connections.
The 44 new buses planned for Newcastle are another important part of the investment, supporting accessible public transport and regional manufacturing.
For passengers, the main thing is to check the updated timetable before travelling. For people interested in a bus driving career, it is a good opportunity to learn about the industry, understand the licence requirements and consider practical training.
If you are ready to explore bus driver training, contact Guru Truck & Bus Driving School on 0433 266 831.
Bus Driver Training Courses Sydney NSW
Guru Truck & Bus Driving School
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