Anyone who is familiar with Sydney’s morning commute knows that packed, late and infrequent buses are just part-and-parcel of getting to work. With the light rail running into delays and overcrowded trains becoming a bigger issue, some respite is welcome.

Thousands of extra buses will hit the streets this year, Transport minister Andrew Constance announced in a public address this morning, as part of a $15.6 million government boost to regional and metropolitan bus services across the state.

“As well as delivering thousands of extra services we are also purchasing more than 30 new buses and over 400 replacement buses this year, with around 20 of these new buses to cater for the increased demand in school services,” he said in an official statement.