Palm Beach bus passengers may find it harder to track some services in real time as industrial action affects routes across the Northern Beaches, lower North Shore and CBD-linked bus network.
Bus services are expected to keep running, but some passengers may have limited access to live arrival information. The disruption is linked to onboard Opal card readers, which may be switched off on some buses as part of the industrial action.
When Opal readers are not operating, live bus location information may not show in travel apps or online journey planners. This may make it harder for passengers to check when a service is due or plan a trip with the usual level of certainty.
A Transport for NSW notice dated Friday, 19 June 2026, listed the affected area as Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the lower North Shore, including buses that start or finish in the CBD.
The affected map area includes Palm Beach, Pittwater, Avalon, Mona Vale, Collaroy, Frenchs Forest, Wakehurst, Manly, Chatswood, Willoughby, Mosman, North Sydney and Sydney.
Keolis Northern Beaches operates the region.
Passengers Asked To Check Travel Updates
Passengers have been advised to check Trip Planner before travelling and use the Opal Travel app for personalised travel notifications.
Road users can also use the Live Traffic NSW app, check Live Traffic NSW, or call 132 701 for traffic updates.
Passengers wanting to provide feedback can call 131 500 or use Transport for NSW’s feedback service.
Transport for NSW said it was working with the bus operator to limit the effect on passengers where possible.
Industrial Action Across Region 8
Bus drivers in Sydney’s Region 8 have commenced industrial action. The region covers the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula and the lower North Shore.
Earlier action included RTBU members not wearing uniforms, which was not expected to disrupt passengers. The industrial action is linked to claims for wage increases and improved conditions.
For Palm Beach passengers, the immediate advice is to check travel information before leaving and allow for possible gaps in live tracking while the industrial action continues.
Published 20-June-2026
