The State Opposition says after promising a world-class rail link to the new international airport at Badgery’s Creek, the Government is instead “delivering a shuttle bus”.
The rebuke from Shadow Transport and Infrastructure Minister Natalie Ward comes after the State Government confirmed it would provide free public transport to connect Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA) to the rest of the transport network when it officially opens its doors this year.
The free bus service will take passengers and airport workers to and from the new airport and St Marys train and bus interchange.
The billion-dollar Metro will not open in line with the airport, with the 23km line expected to be operational at some point in 2027.
“This government was supposed to deliver a Metro line and is instead delivering a minibus. They knew this project was in trouble, they hid it, and commuters are paying the price,” Ward said.
“The Minns Government’s handling of the transport portfolio has been an abject failure. Everything is delayed, they can’t tell you when projects will open, they can’t deliver consistently reliable trains, and there is no new investment.”
Minister for Transport John Graham said it was important to have a public transport service ready for passengers.
“Australia’s newest international airport is going to be transformational for western Sydney, and it is important to have connectivity to our public transport network from the moment the first bit of airline rubber hits the tarmac,” Graham said.
“Free interim buses will give passengers and airline operators the certainty that an onwards journey on public transport is in place alongside the new M12 motorway for road access, taxis and rideshare, as we complete the equally transformational metro line between the airport and St Marys.”
The free airport buses will run every 30 minutes between 4.30am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 4.30am to 1am Friday and Saturday, with an expected journey time of 30 minutes in normal traffic.
“These services will offer an additional, essential transport connection for workers and passengers using Sydney’s new 24-hour international gateway, and complement the toll-free M12, ride share, taxis, tour buses and other private transfer services available, all of which will be supported by more than 6,000 car spaces at our precinct,” WSIA CEO Simon Hickey said.
The interim buses will be phased out when Metro services begin. That could be as late as December next year.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown welcomed the interim transport service, saying it was important to provide access for local residents.
“I applaud this public transport link that will enable the community to reach the new Western Sydney International Airport from day one,” McKeown said.
“This free interim bus service will complement the comprehensive bus plan for western Sydney, linking Penrith residents to the airport.”
Once complete, the new Metro line will feature a rail and bus interchange at St Marys, with stops at Orchard Hills, Luddenham, Airport Business Park, Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield.
Track laying on the Metro line is now 70 per cent complete, the government says.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate is a western Sydney-based journalist covering local news. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist. She has worked at The Western Weekender newspaper since 2024.
