Bus routes in Newcastle, New South Wales Bus routes in Newcastle, New South Wales Newcastle bus routes connect suburbs in and around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, about 100 kilometres north of Sydney. Newcastle is the second-largest city in the state of New South Wales, serving as a regional centre for residents of the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Great Lakes regions. Bus services within Newcastle are operated by Newcastle Transport. It also operates a ferry service across the Hunter River between Newcastle's CBD and Stockton. Hunter Valley Buses also operate a large number of routes in the area. These two main operators have an east-west split, with
Newcastle City Council 2018. The council was under the control of the Labour Party from its reconstitution in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, until 2004. The Liberal Democrats controlled the Council from 2004 until 2011, when the Labour Party regained control. There are currently 56 Labour councillors, 19 Liberal Democrat councillors and 3 Independent councillors. For a list of past Mayors and Lord Mayors see List of Lord Mayors of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Newcastle has 26 electoral wards. Following an electoral review in 2016, the current boundaries were established in May 2018. Newcastle City Council Newcastle City Council is the local government authority