In early 2023, the Forest Coach Lines brand was replaced by ComfortDelGro's CDC NSW branding for the Sydney operations. The Mid North Coast and North West Slopes operations continue to be branded Forest Coach Lines.
History
Forest Coach Lines Volvo B7RLE in a green Transport for NSW livery.Forest Coach Lines Volvo B12BLEA in its corporate livery
In March 1947, route 52 Chatswood to Artarmon was purchased but quickly sold in November of that year to Brooks Bros.[3][4] From the late 1940s, the Frenchs Forest area expanded rapidly and by 1960 the Royle Brothers fleet had expanded to 12 buses.[1]
The operation was renamed Forest Coach Lines in February 1964 and relocated to a new depot in Belrose. In May 1965, route 201 ceased. An expansion into coach charter saw Forest Trailways established with a separate depot in Manly Vale. Eric and Trevor Royle retired in the mid-1960s with the Trevor's sons Bernard and Tony taking over.[1]
In 1973, services were extended to Duffys Forest and in February 1982 to Warringah Mall. In August 1979, a new depot was opened in Terrey Hills to replace those at Belrose and Manly Vale.[1]
The Passenger Transport Act 1990 allowed Forest Coach Lines to commence operating services into the Sydney central business district in July 1992.[1][5] In August 1991, the Warringah Bus Lines operation was purchased from Shorelink[6] and in July 1998 part of St Ives Bus Service was purchased.[7][8]
In November 2012, it was announced that Forest had been successful in retaining the contract to operate Sydney Bus Region 14.[9][10]
In December 2014, a majority shareholding in the business was purchased by mid-market private equity firm Next Capital.[11][12]
In September 2018, ComfortDelGro Australia (CDC) purchased the business.[19][20][21][22] In November 2022, CDC was awarded the contract to retain Region 14. The Forest Coach Lines brand in Sydney was replaced by the CDC NSW brand when the contract commenced on 21 May 2023.[23][24] The Forest Coach Lines brand remained in the regional New South Wales operations.
As at July 2022, the combined fleet consisted of 250 buses and coaches.[25][26]
As of July 2024, the fleets consists of 84 buses.
Forest Coach Lines built up its fleet with Leyland buses. In 1972 it placed the first Volvo in Sydney in service. Since then most purchases have been on Volvo or Mercedes-Benz chassis. In March 2013 two Bustech CDi double deckers were introduced.
When the business was renamed Forest Coach Lines in February 1964, a new white and green livery was introduced. These remained the fleet colours until 2013 when as part of its new regional bus contract Forest was required to adopt the Transport for NSW white and blue livery.[27]
Routes formerly operated in Sydney
As at time of rebranding to CDC NSW (May 2023):
141: Austlink to Manly via Belrose, Northern Beaches Hospital, Seaforth, Balgowlah & Fairlight
193: Austlink to Warringah Mall via Northern Beaches Hospital, Beacon Hill & Narraweena
194: St Ives Village Shops/St Ives Chase to City QVB via East Killara, East Lindfield, East Roseville, Middle Cove, Northbridge and Cammeray
194X: St Ives Village Shops/St Ives Chase to City QVB via East Killara, East Lindfield, East Roseville & Alpha Road (Express Service)
195: Gordon to St. Ives Chase Loop
196: Gordon to Mona Vale via St Ives Village Shops and Austlink
197: Macquarie University to Mona Vale via Macquarie Centre, Macquarie Park, West Pymble, Gordon Station, St Ives Village Shops and Austlink
260: Terrey Hills to North Sydney via Frenchs Forest, Forestville, Northbridge and Cammeray
270: Terrey Hills to City QVB via Frenchs Forest, Forestville & Alpha Road
270X: Terrey Hills to City QVB via Frenchs Forest, Forestville & Alpha Road (Limited Stops)
271: Terrey Hills/Austlink/Belrose to City QVB via Frenchs Forest, Forestville & Alpha Road
273: Killarney Heights to City QVB via Frenchs Forest, Forestville & Alpha Road
274: Davidson to City QVB via Frenchs Forest, Forestville & Alpha Road
277: Chatswood to Castle Cove
278: Chatswood/Forestville to Killarney Heights
280: Chatswood to Warringah Mall via East Roseville, Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Skyline & Allambie
281: Chatswood to Davidson via Forestville & Frenchs Forest
282: Chatswood to Belrose via Forestville, Frenchs Forest & Davidson
283: Chatswood to Belrose via Forestville & Frenchs Forest
284: Chatswood to Duffys Forest via Forestville, Frenchs Forest & Belrose, Austlink & Terrey Hills
Routes operated in Coffs Harbour
362: Boambee to Coffs Harbour via SCU Coffs Harbour Campus & CH Base Hospital[28]