Push to turn Sydney's transport network from a 'bicycle wheel' into a 'spider web'

A new proposal from the Committee for Sydney envisions transforming the city's transport network from a bicycle wheel into a spider web. The urban think tank suggests establishing ten new orbital rapid bus routes linking Sydney's north to south, aiming to connect all lines together and provide a faster alternative for commuters.

Mayor Todd Carney of Penrith highlights the slow and infrequent bus links in Western Sydney, calling for the expansion of the rapid bus network to address the issue. The plan would involve ten corridors along existing roads, offering exclusive lanes, priority traffic signals, and widely spaced stops. The proposal builds upon a 2023 report by the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce, which initially suggested routes between Liverpool and Burwood via Bankstown, Campbelltown and Liverpool, as well as a link between St Mary's and Rouse Hill.

Committee for Sydney CEO Eamon Waterford emphasizes that the current public transport network resembles a bicycle wheel, with all lines converging at Central. He envisions the new orbital lines connecting across the city north-south, ultimately changing travel behavior in Western Sydney, where the majority of people still rely on cars for their daily commutes.

Waterford notes that rapid buses, being relatively cheap and quick to implement, offer a cost-effective solution that can be delivered within a single government term. The proposal also includes additional connections such as Brookvale and Chatswood on Sydney's Northern Beaches, Liverpool and Blacktown in the west, and Rockdale and Parramatta via Bankstown.

Furthermore, it calls for improvements to the Liverpool-Parramatta and North-West Transitways, also known as T-ways. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney points out that Western Sydney's transport system is currently disjointed, with many residents missing out on opportunities in the growing region. He advocates for connecting the Western Sydney Airport Metro to the M1 line and extending it south from the new city Bradfield to the Macarthur area.

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne urges the government to implement interim solutions to address the immediate needs of commuters, stressing the importance of frequent, reliable, and faster public transport options. NSW Transport Minister John Graham welcomes the Committee for Sydney's proposal, acknowledging that rebuilding and expanding the city's bus network is a key priority for the Minns Labor government.