Community buses

Our community bus service provides affordable, accessible bus hire to support local community groups with outings, events and group activities across the Inner West and surrounding areas. Community bus hire is available to eligible Inner West–based community groups, including not‑for‑profit and non‑government organisations supporting local residents. Priority is given to groups that are transport‑disadvantaged or support older people, people with disability, young people and other priority communities

Council has two community buses available for hire:
a 19‑seater bus, and
a 21‑seater bus.
Both buses are suitable for group outings, excursions and community activities.

Community buses can be hired under two arrangements:
Wet hire, which includes a Council‑approved driver, or
Dry hire, where the hiring group provides an approved driver.

Hire type availability may depend on driver eligibility and operational requirements.

Fees and charges - click here and refer to page 81

Accessibility 
Our community buses are fitted with accessible features to support inclusive group travel, including low‑floor access and designated seating areas. Please discuss any specific accessibility requirements at the time of booking so suitability can be confirmed.

Important Information – Passenger Support and Duty of Care
Please note that Council bus drivers are transport operators only. They are not support workers and must not provide physical assistance (including lifting, steadying, or guiding) to help passengers board or disembark the bus.

Passengers who require assistance must travel with their own carer, support worker, or responsible representative, who retains full duty of care during boarding, transit, and disembarkation.

Application to book either the 19 seater bus or the 21 seater bus can be made online.

To apply online, please click the button below and complete the web form:

Apply for the 19 or 21 seater bus online

Confirmation of the requested booking will be made in writing to the hirer.

Council may require a $500 refundable security deposit for new hirers of the community bus. If the bus is returned undamaged and in good working order, the deposit will be refunded (usually within 30 days of the bus being returned).
If the bus is damaged while in the care of the hirer, the security deposit may be applied toward Council’s $1,000 insurance excess, with any additional costs payable by the hirer if applicable.

Enquiries

Ani Bianchini, Community Centre and Bus Services Liaison Officer on (02) 9392 5419 or email Ani.Bianchini@innerwest.nsw.gov.au or Andre Sutjipto, Community Bus Driver Services Officer on (02) 9392 5009 or email andre.sutjipto@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

A transport service (19 seat bus) for community groups to enjoy day trips and outings at a subsidised rate.

Features

• Toyota Coaster
• Is available for wet hire or dry hire (see Conditions of Hire)
• Provides an accessibility ramp onto the vehicle

Eligibility guidelines

Applications are assessed and prioritised against the following criteria:

• The group is non-profit and non-government (with the exception of Inner West Council operations).
• The group is based in the municipality and/or its members predominantly live in the municipality.
• The group is transport disadvantaged i.e.; cannot meet the costs of a commercial rate.
• The group meets the needs of aged, people with a disability, children, young people or disadvantaged residents.

Fees and charges

The minimum hire period is 3 hours. Click here to review fees and charges

Starting time: Hiring time starts from the bus depot (where a daily 30-minute bus safety check is undertaken prior to the bus trip).

Finishing time: Hiring time finishes when the bus returns to the bus depot.

In addition to the hourly rate, user groups will be charged an additional fee to cover fuel costs. This fee is based on the below sliding scale of kilometres travelled.

Conditions of hire

View the 19 seater bus conditions of hire (PDF, 439.38KB)

A transport service (21 seat bus) for community groups to enjoy day trips and outings at a subsidised rate.

Features

• Mitsubishi Rosa
• Is only available for wet hire (see Conditions of Hire)
• Provides an accessibility ramp onto the vehicle

Eligibility guidelines

Applications are assessed and prioritised against the following criteria:

• The group is non-profit and non-government (with the exception of Inner West Council operations).
• The group is based in the municipality and/or its members predominantly live in the municipality.
• The group is transport disadvantaged, i.e. cannot meet the costs of a commercial rate.
• The group meets the needs of aged, people with a disability, children, young people or disadvantaged residents.

Fees and charges

The minimum hire period is 3 hours. A 25% surcharge applies to all non-Inner West based community groups.

Starting time: Hiring time starts from the Balmain Depot (where a daily 30 minute bus safety check is undertaken prior to the bus trip).

Finishing time: Hiring time finishes when the bus returns to the Balmain Depot.

In addition to the hourly rate, user groups will be charged an additional fee to cover fuel costs. This fee is based on the below sliding scale of kilometres travelled.

Conditions of hire

Read the 21 seater bus conditions of hire (PDF, 439.38KB)

Leichhardt Local Link
The Leichhardt Local Link is a free community bus service that helps people access local services and destinations, including Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, doctors and health services, public transport, community facilities, shopping precincts and local high streets. The bus runs Mondays and Thursdays, between 8.30am and 2.45pm.

How to catch the bus
To travel on the Leichhardt Local Link, simply hail the driver at a designated stop. Stops are clearly signposted and marked on the footpath as Leichhardt Local Link stops, featuring the bus image.

Important information – passenger support and duty of care
Please note that Council bus drivers are transport operators only. They are not support workers and are unable to provide physical assistance, including lifting, steadying or guiding passengers when boarding or disembarking.
Passengers who require assistance must travel with their own carer, support worker or responsible representative, who retains full duty of care during boarding, transit and disembarkation.
If you have any questions about this requirement or would like to discuss specific support needs, please feel free to contact us directly.

Key stops and timetable

Route map

Download the Leichhardt Local Link stops and route map (PDF, 2.43MB)