Passengers using the free Hop, Skip and Jump bus in Manly are now required to wear clothing over swimwear, with drivers permitted to refuse entry to those boarding shirtless or in bikinis.
Signage Installed In Manly
The Hop, Skip and Jump community bus, funded and operated by NBC, operates around Manly and nearby suburbs including Fairlight and Balgowlah. The circular route connects key local stops such as Balgowlah Village shopping centre, Manly Wharf and beach areas including Manly Cove and Little Manly Beach.
New signage has been installed near Little Manly Beach advising passengers to dress appropriately and wear clothing over swimwear while travelling on the service.
Driver Discretion Under Transport Regulation
The service operates as an accredited regular passenger service under the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017.
Under the regulation, a driver may refuse to carry a passenger if their behaviour, condition or clothing is likely to dirty or damage the vehicle, or cause inconvenience to other passengers or the driver. The NBC has indicated this may include wet or sandy clothing that affects cleanliness in the shared transport environment. Drivers may also refuse entry if the bus becomes overcrowded.
Complaints About Hygiene And Comfort
The change follows complaints from passengers about hygiene and comfort on the 30-seat buses. Concerns included wet swimwear and sand leaving seats damp or dirty after beach trips.
Feedback from some older passengers also referenced discomfort with swimwear styles in the confined bus setting.
The existing published Service Code of Conduct for the Hop, Skip and Jump bus outlines behavioural expectations, including no eating, drinking or smoking, and restrictions on large objects when the bus is full. The clothing-over-swimwear requirement is not yet listed in the published code.
Community Reaction In Manly
The decision has prompted mixed reactions online. Some commenters supported the measure on hygiene grounds, citing concerns about wet or sandy seats.
Others questioned where the line should be drawn, noting that beachwear is common in coastal suburbs such as Manly and raising broader discussion about appropriate attire on public transport.
The Hop, Skip and Jump service continues to operate as a free community bus linking Manly with surrounding areas.
Published 15-Feb-2026
