New Bus Route 444 to Connect Balmain East and Leichhardt
Transport for NSW will introduce a new direct bus service, Route 444, connecting Balmain East Wharf and Leichhardt Marketplace starting on Monday, 16 November 2026. The new route aims to improve public transport connectivity across Sydney's Inner West by linking the two suburbs via Rozelle and Darling Street.
The service reintroduces a direct connection previously provided by the former 445 route, fulfilling a state government commitment following community advocacy. The link is designed to facilitate access to local shops, community facilities, and Sydney Ferries services operating from Balmain East Wharf to destinations including Circular Quay, Pyrmont Bay, and Barangaroo.
Route 444 will operate every 60 minutes between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, adding 54 trips per week to the network. Alongside the new service, existing Routes 442 and 445 will continue operating at frequencies of every 15 and 10 minutes, respectively, along key sections of the corridor.
According to Transport for NSW, patronage and community feedback will be monitored after the route begins operations to determine whether future timetable adjustments are necessary.
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