The Bendy’s Are Back

This comes after Transport for NSW was forced to pull the entire fleet as a precaution following the discovery of mechanical issues in several models. The Northern Beaches has been the hardest hit region, losing 43 ‘bendy buses’ and experiencing disruptions and overcrowding far beyond the norm as a result.

“Today, as part of my ongoing communication with Transport for NSW and the bus operator, I am pleased to report that the first repaired ‘bendy bus’ is currently undergoing RMS testing and is expected to be back on the road by the end of this week,” Mr Griffin said.

“The bus operator has further advised that a second and third articulated bus will be returned and operating on our local routes next week, and the week after respectively. 

“This is pleasing news for those in my community who rely on our buses to get to work, school and essential appointments. The return of these first three repaired buses marks the beginning of the rollout of the entire fleet, with at least 10 more ‘bendy buses’ expected to be returned by mid-June,” Mr Griffin continued. 

With nearly double the capacity of a regular rigid bus, these repaired ‘bendy buses’ will first be deployed to school routes in the Manly area which have been assigned two rigid buses to meet demand. 

“Following yesterday’s announcement that an additional six double-deckers have been secured for non-B-Line routes from Manly and Dee Why to the CBD, the news that the ‘bendy buses’ are making their long-awaited return will hopefully bring some much-needed relief to our bus timetable and to those who have been impacted over the past months by their removal”, Mr Griffin said. 

“Each ‘bendy bus’ repaired and returned to service frees up a rigid bus and brings the network one step closer to its original capacity. I will continue to work closely with Transport for NSW and the bus operator to ensure they are rolled out in a timely manner,” Mr Griffin said.

The bus operator is aiming to align the introduction of the six new double-deckers and the rollout of the repaired ‘bendy buses’ with the return of school term on 30 April 2025.