Getting out and about and enjoying Christmas just got a whole lot easier, with Northern Beaches Council extending the Hop, Skip & Jump bus service in Manly, with a special Christmas twist.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the free bus service encourages people out of their cars, provides convenient transport for shoppers and also helps as a social connector.

“We know Christmas can actually be the loneliest time of the year for many people, especially seniors and people isolated in the community.

“So, hop aboard and enjoy a special Christmas Carols sing-along led by community volunteers with song sheets and musical accompaniment.

“By adding extra services at Christmas we are hopefully providing an opportunity for community members to get out and about and connect with other people. We don’t want to see any members of our community left feeling isolated over Christmas,” Mayor Regan said.

The Christmas Carols bus will operate on Friday the 15 and 22 December and Saturday the 16 and 23 December from 1-3pm. The normal HSJ timetable will also operate during this time.  

The bus will depart from the Stockland Interchange at 1pm and travel the normal route to Manly/Fairy Bower and then alternate at 2pm to the Balgowlah/Clontarf run.

You can get on or off the bus at any HSJ bus stop or hail the bus at a safe location. The Hop, Skip & Jump bus service transports more than 400,000 passengers a year.