For many people across Ryde, West Ryde, Melrose Park, Ermington and Gladesville, the 52 bus was a vital connection to work, study and the Sydney CBD.
When the former Liberal Government cut the M52 in 2021 following the privatisation of the region’s bus network, local commuters were left with fewer direct services, longer journeys and reduced capacity on one of Sydney’s busiest transport corridors.
That’s why I fought to bring the 52 back.
The Minns Labor Government has now delivered on that commitment, restoring the 52 as a frequent, high-capacity service connecting Parramatta, Ryde and the CBD.
What Will the New 52 Deliver?
The restored 52 will provide:
- A direct connection between Parramatta, Ryde and the Sydney CBD
- Services operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Buses every 10 minutes during the day
- More capacity for commuters travelling from Ryde and Gladesville
- Better connections for residents in West Ryde, Melrose Park and Ermington
- More morning services into the city from Top Ryde
The numbers don’t lie:
- Morning city services from Top Ryde increase from 19 to 27
- The proportion of services starting at Top Ryde increases from 44% to 55%
- Total morning city services into the city increase from 43 to 49
Why Was the Original M52 Removed?
The former Liberal Government privatised Ryde’s bus network and failed to invest in the fleet needed to keep pace with growing demand.
Despite increasing patronage, not a single new articulated “bendy” bus was ordered for Sydney during the Liberals’ final 12 years in government.
As capacity pressures grew, services were reduced and the M52 was eventually replaced by the 500X.
Instead of expanding capacity, local communities saw cuts to important bus services.
Investing in Better Bus Services
The Minns Labor Government is taking a different approach. Across Sydney, the Government has:
- Ordered 50 new articulated “bendy” buses
- Invested $150 million in additional bus services
- Delivered 1357 additional new weekly services.
- Reduced the driver shortage from 500 down to 170.
These investments are helping deliver a more reliable and better connected bus network for growing communities across Sydney.
Delivering What the Community Asked For
The return of the 52 is the result of years of community advocacy and campaigning by local residents who wanted their direct bus service restored.
For local commuters, the outcome is simple:
- More services
- More capacity
- Better connections
- A 24-hour timetable
- A direct route between Parramatta, Ryde and the CBD
After years of cuts, the 52 is back.