What is "nightride"

NightRide is a network of bus routes in operation between midnight and 4.30am in Sydney, Australia. The thirteen routes are run by private bus operators and allow for a nightly shutdown of the Sydney Trains commuter rail network. The NightRide network was established in mid-1989 as low-patronage late-night train services were progressively withdrawn. Services follow major roads, and some stops are some distance from the railway stations they replace. In addition, some routes serve stations on multiple train lines. In the City, most services depart from George Street, above Town Hall station.

Currently, normal bus fares apply to NightRide journeys.

The suspension of train services overnight allows for maintenance to occur on tracks. Passengers reportedly feel safer on buses than mostly-empty trains late at night. However, in 2014, it was reported that patronage on most NightRide routes was falling. The Tourism and Transport Forum has called for 24-hour train operations to resume.