The 378 bus that directly links Bronte to Sydney’s CBD may soon be back in operation. Officials from both Labor and Liberal parties confirmed their intention to reinstate the service if their March 2019 election bid is successful.
According to the cause-oriented group Bring Back the 378 Bus, Labor Shadow Minister for Transport Jodi McKay MP has committed to restoring the service as part of her party’s bid to make public transport more accessible. Ms McKay has met with the group in the past to discuss their concerns about the 378 Bus Direct.
Bring Back the 378 Bus was organized to initially prevent the cancellation of the direct bus service. Made up of concerned locals from Bronte and nearby suburbs, the group has since launched fund-raisers and various campaigns to let the government know they will continue to oppose the cancellation.
In response, the Liberal Government through MP Bruce Notley-Smith also announced the introduction of a direct bus service from Bronte to the city. However, Mr Notley-Smith didn’t specifically mention if this would be bus 378 in his statement.
The NSW Transport Department cut off Bronte’s 378 bus in late 2017. Residents lodged a petition to oppose the decision, citing that removing 378 would inconvenience commuters, especially the children and the elderly, but the plan was still carried out despite the protest.
Without 378, Bronte residents have been forced to take North Bondi buses bound for Sydney CBD. Doing so, however, entailed changing buses or trains during their commute, which added an hour or so to their travel time.
On Thursday, the 14th of March, Bring Back the 378 Bus will hold a forum with the officials to discuss the public transport situation in the Eastern Suburbs. Residents may join in the Q&A forum to know the candidates’ stand on the reinstatement of the 378 bus direct, as well as the services for buses 361, 389, 327, and the Eastern Suburbs Light Rail.
