*** MEDIA RELEASE ***

Changes to school bus services in West Dapto area to reduce journey times

Changes are being introduced to school bus services in the West Dapto area to reduce some journey times and improve travel for students.

From today, timetable and route changes will come into effect that will significantly shorten some school journeys.

These changes will see students spend less time on buses, with estimated reductions in travel times ranging from 17 to 52 minutes.

These changes follow the year-long closure of West Dapto Road by Wollongong City Council, which began on 29 July and has impacted a number of bus services.

In response to feedback services have been reviewed and revised routes developed resulting in timetables that deliver improved travel times wherever possible.

These adjustments build on the interim bus service changes that were put in place when West Dapto Road first closed.

The amended services starting on 8 December will benefit Dapto Public School and St John’s Primary School students.

Students who catch the altered bus services may have different boarding and alighting times, different arrival and departure times, changed routes and a new route number.

The upcoming school bus service changes in the West Dapto area are:

 The morning S083 service from Kembla Grange to Dapto Public School via
Wongawilli will be rerouted and will have a timetable change.

 The morning S195 service from Kembla Grange to St John’s Public School will be
altered and will have a route number change (S195 will become S274).

 The morning S086 service from Horsley to Dapto Public School will have a timetable
change.

 The afternoon S191 service from St Joseph’s High School to St John’s Public School
will be rerouted and will have a timetable change.

 The afternoon S189 service from St Joseph’s High School to Port Kembla will have a
timetable change.

These service changes will remain in place for the duration of the West Dapto Road closure, which is expected to continue until around mid-2026.

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:
“These school bus changes are a great result for students and families of the West Dapto area, particularly those living in Stream Hill Estate, who raised concerns about extended journey times."

“Having these amended services confirmed ahead of the new year will help ensure a smooth transition into Term 1 2026."

“I encourage community members and local students to familiarise themselves with the changes and use journey planning tools such as Trip Planner transportnsw.info/trip, to prepare for the updated services and timetables.”

8 DECEMBER 2025