Off-putting and confronting. That is how some commuters described beachwear on a Sydney community bus.

As a result, a local council has stepped in. The Northern Beaches Council now bars passengers from boarding shirtless or in bikinis.

The rule applies to the Hop, Skip and Jump bus. This free service runs through Manly, Fairlight and Balgowlah.

Importantly, the bus is a key transport link in the coastal area. Many locals rely on it each day.

A new sign sets the tone. It reads: “Please dress appropriately. Clothing must be worn over swimwear.”

However, the council has not yet updated its online code of conduct. For now, drivers will decide who boards.

According to local reports, complaints triggered the change. In particular, older commuters pushed for clearer standards.

One woman said she prefers people to “dress properly” on public transport. Another called swimwear on the small bus “confronting.”

Moreover, some riders feel uncomfortable in the tight space. They say the bus feels crowded and enclosed.

On the other hand, not everyone agrees. A younger passenger questioned where the line should be drawn.

After all, many people wear activewear on buses. Therefore, critics argue the rule may create confusion.

Meanwhile, Australia has faced beachwear debates before.

In fact, tensions flared in the 1960s. Local media dubbed the clash “the bikini war.”

At the time, more than 50 women faced arrest at Bondi Beach. Authorities enforced a 1935 rule on swimsuit measurements.

Eventually, officials scrapped the strict sizing law. Instead, they required “proper and adequate” swimwear.

Still, disputes over modesty have not faded.

Recently, debate erupted again on the Gold Coast. A proposal to ban G-string bikinis on city streets sparked protests.

Now, Sydney’s northern beaches revisit the same issue.

For supporters, the bus ban restores comfort and respect. For critics, it risks policing personal choice.

Either way, the small coastal bus has ignited a big national conversation.