Since 2008, Sydney Buses (STA) has been operating a new bus service, branded the Metrobus.
The first route 10 commenced service in 2008 as a 12-month trial. After the success of the route 10 trial, the NSW Government has announced to implement 5 routes under the Metrobus scheme, being route 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50. Route 20 started operation in late 2009. Route 30 is scheduled to commence within the next couple of months, with route 40 and 50 joining later date.
The metrobus routes are additional services, to supplement the existing overcrowding services. They operate during the day and early evening, with services running between 6:30-20:00.
The fleet of metrobus consists of a variety of vehicles at the moment, but once the designated Volvo B12BLEA Volgren bendis begin to deliver, the mixture of buses should disappear, and flow back to the normal STA fleet.
Here I have picked photos of the recent additions to the Metrobus fleet, with a number of Mercedes O500LEs and Volvo B12BLE.
Brand new Volvo B12BLEA 2062.ST on Route 20 at Mid City Interchange. The rear of 2062.ST. 2062.ST was followed closely by m/o 9604 (2112) on route 10. This was then followed by 2109 (route 20) in the background. The double artic run on Route 20 is back! (Departs Mascot between 7.20-7.30 am) 2109 at Mid City Interchange. 2112 and 2109, unfortunately blocked by this rather long vehicle carrier…. Routes 20/30 at Metrobus junction. Attempts to catch all 3 metrobuses today failed due to the lack of time -- the shops in the surrounding buildings were not yet open! Routes 10/30 at Metrobus junction. Almost caught 10, 20 & 30 in one picture!
4827 was a Port Botany Volvo B12BLE, but has now received the new Metrobus spider route diagram treatment. The accreditation hasn't been updated but it has been transferred to Tempe. Route 30 done by 2047.ST Artics galore! 2111 at Mid City Interchange. 1988.ST was delivered with the gas pod + air conditioning painted red to blend into the Metrobus livery. Route 30 again, by 1959.ST Yet another artic. 2001.ST ran empty to Clarence St from Mid City Interchange, then suddenly changed its desto to route 20 for Gore Hill. This is my first sighting of short running metrobus routes! The elusive 2108/m/o 9718 at Leichhardt Town Hall. 2108 was built to Hillsbus specs noted by seat fabric that is seen across the Hillsbus low floor fleet.
