Sydney bus passengers will soon be able to access mobile phone apps that let them know how far away their next bus is.

The three apps should be available from this week, pending approval from app stores, and will provide real-time tracking of bus movements across Sydney.

Progress ... bus passengers will soon be able to use apps on their mobile phones to find out how far away their next bus is. Credit:Ryan Osland

The release of the apps follows a government effort to make public transport data more widely available to developers. The apps were built following a workshop last month with developers and Transport for NSW officials.

''Having real-time information is a game-changer when it comes to public transport,'' the Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, said.