Bikinis banned on Sydney bus over ‘cleanliness’ concerns | Sydney

Sydney’s Northern Beaches council has banned passengers from riding its free community bus service while wearing only swimwear, following feedback from riders.

Swimwear Ban on Northern Beaches Bus Service

The Hop, Skip and Jump is a daily 30-seat shuttle bus servicing the coastal suburbs of Manly, Fairlight and Balgowlah, and is popular with beachgoers. A sign posted in Manly now reads: “Hop, Skip and Jump Bus stop here. Please dress appropriately. Clothing must be worn over swimwear.”

The council cited legislation allowing bus 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.” This includes those wearing “wet or sandy clothing that could impact the cleanliness and comfort of the shared transport environment,” according to a council spokesperson.

When asked if dry swimwear was permitted, a spokesperson stated that council drivers cannot determine if swimwear is wet.

The new rules have drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some commenters criticizing the council for acting as “the fashion police,” while others agreed with the ban, citing hygiene concerns and longstanding social norms.

Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham told the Daily Telegraph that some swimwear, particularly “thong-style bikinis,” can be “confronting” to elderly passengers. She added that swimmers, wet from the beach and covered in sand, can leave seats damp and create a mess.

A similar ban on G-string bikinis was implemented at public pools in the Blue Mountains in 2025, sparking similar debate.

Cultural expert Lauren Rosewarne, from the University of Melbourne, said the rule reflects longstanding societal “fixed views” about public presentation. She noted a persistent gender double standard where women’s bodies are more frequently scrutinized and policed to ensure the “comfort” of others, and that eliminating judgment of garment choices would reduce discomfort.