Sydney’s Northern Beaches council has implemented a new dress code for passengers on its free community bus service, prohibiting bikini-clad and shirtless riders. The decision follows feedback received from passengers regarding appropriate attire.
New Restrictions on the Hop, Skip and Jump Bus
The Hop, Skip and Jump is a daily shuttle bus with a 30-seat capacity, serving the coastal suburbs of Manly, Fairlight, and Balgowlah. It is frequently used by beachgoers.
A sign has been erected in Manly stating: “Hop, Skip and Jump Bus stop here. Please dress appropriately. Clothing must be worn over swimwear.” This indicates the new policy is now in effect.
According to a council spokesperson, the restrictions also apply to passengers wearing wet or sandy clothing that could impact the cleanliness and comfort of the shared transport environment. When asked specifically about dry swimwear, the spokesperson stated that drivers are unable to determine if swimwear is wet.
Public Reaction
The new rules, highlighted in a segment aired on Seven’s Sunrise program, have prompted mixed reactions on social media. Some commenters likened the policy to a return to more conservative times, while others suggested the council should focus on its primary responsibilities.
However, some commenters expressed support for the ban, noting that covering up after leaving the beach is a long-held custom. Others indicated that complaints originated with the increasing popularity of “Brazilian style really brief g strings.”
Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham told the Daily Telegraph that some swimwear, particularly “thong-style bikinis,” can be “confronting” to elderly passengers. She also cited concerns about hygiene, noting that swimmers covered in sand and wet from the beach can leave seats damp.
Previous Bans
This is not the first instance of swimwear restrictions in the Sydney area. In 2025, a council in the Blue Mountains banned G-string bikinis at its public pools, sparking similar debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ban on bikinis and shirtless passengers?
The Northern Beaches council responded to feedback from passengers regarding appropriate attire on the Hop, Skip and Jump bus service.
What does the council say about the legislation supporting this ban?
The council cited legislation allowing drivers to refuse entry to passengers whose clothing is “likely to dirty or damage the vehicle, or cause inconvenience or damage to other passengers or the driver.”
Is there a distinction made between wet and dry swimwear?
According to a council spokesperson, drivers are unable to determine if swimwear is wet, and the ban applies regardless.
As communities continue to navigate evolving social norms, it remains to be seen how this policy will be received and whether similar measures will be considered elsewhere.
