From Sunday 6 December 2026, more than 670 additional weekly bus services will be introduced across the Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and Casino bus networks, as part of a record bus investment under the Minns Labor Government.
Communities across Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina and Casino will benefit from additional bus services, improving public transport access to key destinations and supporting the region’s continued growth.
The service improvements will strengthen connections to major hospitals, education hubs, provide better access to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and continue to support growing communities in the Northern Rivers.
The service changes include:
- Additional weekday and weekend bus services across the Northern Rivers region.
- Improved connections to major hospitals, university and TAFE campuses.
- Better public transport access to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
- Enhanced services supporting new housing and population growth.
- Improved connectivity between Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina and Casino.
- Additional transport options supporting local tourism, hospitality and visitor destinations.
The latest boost in services forms part of 9,000 additional weekly bus services across the state since the Minns Labor Government came to office in 2023. During that time, the bus driver shortage has also been reduced from 500, to around 200.
Lismore: More services on Routes 661 and 642, with direct links to Ballina Airport, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby. Selected services will run on Friday and Saturday evenings, weekends and public holidays. Evans Head gets an extra afternoon return trip on Route 680, which supports return travel.
Byron Bay: Route 640 will run generally hourly, every day, between Ballina Airport, Ballina and Byron Bay. It takes a more direct path and cuts travel time by 10 minutes. The new Route 646 cuts weekday travel times from Ocean Shores, Brunswick Heads and nearby towns by 18 minutes. More of Byron Bay town and beach areas will be covered by Routes 642 and 644.
Ballina: New housing areas in Cumbalum, Lennox Head and Skennars Head will get extended and uplifted services on Routes 664 and 665. Epiq Marketplace will have public bus services for the first time.
Casino: Route 670 between Kyogle, Casino and Lismore will receive more services across the week including on weekend and public holidays. Route 670 will connect with Casino Station, including a link from Kyogle and Lismore to the 8:21am Casino to Sydney NSW TrainLink service. It will also reach more Casino locations, including Casino Hospital, Casino Olympic Pool, ALDI and Casino Post Office, Barker Street.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“These additional bus services will make it easier for people across the Northern Rivers to get where they need to go, whether that’s work, study, medical appointments or other important destinations.
“Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has rolled out more than 9,000 additional bus services across the state, with 1,200 of these being in regional NSW, making travel easier for passengers everywhere.
“We are continuing to deliver practical public transport improvements that support growing regional communities and provide better connectivity for locals.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“We have listened to what our communities need, and by delivering these 670 additional weekly services, we are ensuring our public transport keeps pace with the Northern Rivers’ continued growth and thriving visitor economy.
“These improvements will see real, tangible benefits for local communities right across Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina and Casino, helping people stay connected to jobs, education, healthcare and the places they visit every day.”
Labor Candidate for Ballina Janet Swain said:
“Public transport is one of biggest issue that is raised with me by locals across the electorate. More bus services will mean more options for getting to work, heading into town, catching a flight or visiting family and friends.
“We’re also making sure our growing communities have better and more frequent access to the bus network as more people move into the area.”
