However, a lack of interest has led to the Figtree area service being canned.

Last year, Transport for NSW launched on demand bus trials in three areas – Thirroul was the first.

Shellharbour residents have accounted for more than half of all trips, which has led to the catchment area being expanded to include the Albion Park and Albion Park Rail areas.

The on demand bus will also effectively replace the cancelled Route 59 bus that ran to and from the Illawarra Regional Airport.

“We want to give residents in Albion Park, Albion Park Rail and Calderwood the opportunity to benefit from this service and see whether or not it’s going to work over a larger area,” said Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the expanded area now included Albion Park Railway Station, Albion Park Regional Airport and Haywards Bay.

“We have also changed service hours for Shellharbour and Thirroul, with services now operating from 6am to 8pm Monday to Friday,” the spokeswoman said.

“Customers can still book the service via an app or by phone, with fares starting at $3.10 and $1.55 for eligible concessions.”

The Figtree service, which has had historically poor usage figures, was scrapped last month.

The bus that operated in the Figtree area has been reallocated to Shellharbour.