Sydney’s Northern Beaches council has banned passengers dressed only in bikinis or shirtless from using its free community bus service, the Hop, Skip and Jump. The bus runs daily with 30 seats and serves coastal suburbs popular with beachgoers like Manly, Fairlight, and Balgowlah. The council put up signs that say: “Please dress appropriately. Clothing must be worn over swimwear.” This is based on their right to refuse entry if a passenger might dirty or damage the bus or bother others. The council spokesperson said, “This can include circumstances where a passenger is wearing wet or sandy clothing that could impact the cleanliness and comfort of the shared transport environment.” The decision made headlines on Seven’s Sunrise TV program, which showed the new sign. Social media reactions were mixed. One commenter sarcastically said, “Welcome to 1920s Sydney … oops 2020s.” Another advised the council to “Try not to be the fashion police.” But some supported the ban, agreeing that people should cover up when moving away from the beach. Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham explained the move, saying some swimwear, especially “thong-style bikinis,” can be “confronting” to older passengers. She said, “People are worried about the hygiene aspect when they sit on the seats … swimmers, wet from the beach and covered in sand, make a mess and leave the seats damp.” This is not the first local swimwear debate. In 2025, the Blue Mountains council banned G-string bikinis at its public pools, sparking similar controversy. Lauren Rosewarne, a cultural expert from the University of Melbourne, said the dress code reflects long-standing social opinions on public appearance. She noted, “Women are expected to dress in ways that don’t excessively ‘tempt’ men,” pointing out a double standard where women’s clothing is heavily judged to ensure others’ “comfort.” Rosewarne added the irony: “If everyone minded their own business, most ‘discomfort’ would be eliminated.”