To mark 20 years of Australia’s busiest bus service, Transport for NSW is rolling out new articulated “bendy” buses on the 333 route to boost capacity and reliability on the popular link between North Bondi and Circular Quay.
First introduced on October 8, 2006, the 333 has become a Sydney icon, carrying millions of passengers between two of the city's most famous destinations while providing a vital connection for commuters, tourists and local residents.
The route links North Bondi with Sydney Harbour via Bondi Junction, Oxford Street, Martin Place and the CBD, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As the service marks its 20th anniversary, Transport for NSW is strengthening the route for the future through the delivery of new articulated buses to service the route.
"The 333 is much more than a bus route. It's a vital transport link that supports Sydney's economy, tourism industry and communities across the Eastern Suburbs and city centre," Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said.
"It operates around the clock and carries an incredibly diverse mix of passengers, from office workers and students to international visitors heading between two of Australia's most famous landmarks."
The NSW Government is investing $56 million in 50 new articulated buses across the network, with 37 allocated to the Eastern Suburbs, including for the iconic 333 route. Six of these new buses have already been delivered to the Eastern Suburbs and are being rolled out progressively into service, boosting capacity and improving reliability on one of Australia’s busiest bus corridors. Thirteen of the new bendy buses are currently operating on route 52, strengthening connections between Parramatta, Ryde and the Sydney CBD.
"The arrival of these new articulated buses will help ensure the 333 continues meeting passenger demand well into the future,” Mr Collins said.
Articulated buses can carry around 50 per cent more passengers than a standard bus, making them ideally suited to high-demand routes such as the 333.
- As Australia’s most patronised public bus service, the 333 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week with an average of 21,000 passengers tapping on the service each weekday.
- For the first time in its history, the route recorded more than 9 million passenger journeys in the 2025-26 financial year, representing a 3.7 per cent increase in patronage compared with the previous financial year.
- During the day, buses run as frequently as every few minutes, making the 333 one of Sydney's highest-frequency bus services.
- The route spans around 12 kilometres and connects some of Sydney's most iconic destinations, from North Bondi to Circular Quay.
- The service was introduced as Sydney's first full-time prepay-only bus route, helping speed up boarding and improve reliability.