OUR HERITAGE TO MARK AN HISTORIC FAREWELL

Sydneysiders will get the opportunity to say farewell to buses on George Street when a selection of heritage vehicles travel down Sydney’s main street for the final time.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said from midday until 5pm this Saturday, customers will be able to go back in time by travelling on some of the city’s oldest buses - some dating back to the 1930s.

“Having these vintage buses drive in the heart of our great city one final time is a fantastic reminder of Sydney’s proud public transport history,” Mr Constance said.

“We are just two days out from what will be one of the most significant changes to CBD bus routes in a generation. Today we look back fondly on where we’ve come from but also look forward to exciting times ahead.”

The first government buses began running up and down the entire length of George Street in 1949. Government buses did use some parts of George Street as early as the mid-1930s but not the entire route. On Sunday 4 October, after more than 75 years, buses will cease to operate along the entire stretch of George Street with the arrival of the new bus network.

CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast said customers are advised to prepare for the change now to avoid confusion.

“We have been pleading with bus customers for weeks to plan for this change, but despite handing out more than 300,000 flyers and brochures, we know some customers still need to get across the changes,” Ms Prendergast said.

“They need to plan their journey now to see how their commute will change, and look for street team members dressed in bright pink t-shirts, who can help them understand the changes.”

If you haven’t looked at how you’re affected by the changes, it is essential that you:

• Look for pink: staff and signs in the CBD will guide you in the right direction, both before and after the changes take effect.
• Plan your trip: the route that best serves you may be changing, so plan your journey from scratch at transportnsw.info or visit mysydney.nsw.gov.au/bus.

The vintage buses will travel down George Street between Railway Square and Bridge Street. Travel will be free, however customers are encouraged to make donations to help support the Sydney Bus Museum - a registered not-for-profit charity.