business - 2026-08-25

Councillors block November closure of Manly's Hop, Skip and Jump bus

Source: manlyobserver.com.au

Northern Beaches councillors have again prevented the closure of Manly's Hop, Skip and Jump bus, preserving a local transport option used by older residents, people with mobility difficulties and others who do not drive. Council staff had recommended ending the long-running service from November 30, despite it having already lost 80 per cent of its routes in an earlier round of cuts.

Northern Beaches councillors have again prevented the closure of Manly's Hop, Skip and Jump bus, preserving a local transport option used by older residents, people with mobility difficulties and others who do not drive. Council staff had recommended ending the long-running service from November 30, despite it having already lost 80 per cent of its routes in an earlier round of cuts. The recommendation was considered during a confidential session at last Tuesday night's council meeting. The public and media were required to leave the chamber because the review involved sensitive information and "staff implications". A majority of elected councillors ultimately rejected the proposed shutdown. Manly Ward councillor Sarah Grattan moved an amendment to continue the service, investigate improvements and return to the issue in three years. The amendment received the express support of the other Manly Ward councillors and was carried by the council, removing the immediate threat of a November closure. In her prepared speech to councillors, Grattan said the service had achieved $450,604 in operational savings since the 2024/25 financial year. She argued that closing it without community...