PUBLIC transport users are set to benefit from reliable travel information following the fitting of GPS tracking devices in Hunter buses.
The smart technology was installed on 233 buses from Diamond Head to Cessnock and as far inland as Cassilis as part of the Transport Connected Bus (TCB) program.
Passengers who use bus services in the Cessnock, Maitland, Myall Lakes, Port Stephens and Upper Hunter electorates can find out where their bus is in real time, how soon it is due to arrive and how full it is.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the technology will greatly improve the public transport experience.
"Passengers can access user-friendly and reliable trip information at their fingertips, making it a more accessible and stress-free option," she said.
Commuters can also use Transport for NSW's (TfNSW) website or mobile apps such as TripView to access digital timetable information.
The technology has been installed on all regular passenger route buses and school buses, meaning parents can digitally track the bus their child is on in real time.
The Hunter and Lower North Coast was the first of the regional NSW areas completed under Phase 3 of the TCB program.
TfNSW worked with 22 bus operators during the roll out. Locations serviced by these buses include Aberdeen, Broke, Buladelah, Cassilis, Cessnock, Denman, Dungog, East Maitland, Forster, Gloucester, Hawks Nest, Karuah, Lochinvar, Maitland, Medowie, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Nabiac, Old Bar, Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace, Rutherford, Scone, Seaham, Singleton, Smiths Lake, Taree, Tinonee and Tea Gardens.
Buses in Newcastle that are part of the Opal network already have similar technology.
