Sydney's public transport network needs to become more connected between suburbs, according to a new proposal calling for greater investment in rapid bus services.

The report argues that Sydney's existing transport system remains heavily focused on connections into the central city, rather than providing enough direct links between growing suburban centres.

A more connected network could make it easier for residents to travel between suburbs without first travelling into the Sydney CBD and changing to another service.

The proposal focuses particularly on rapid bus services as a way of improving connections across areas where rail or metro infrastructure is not currently available.

Rapid buses can be introduced more quickly than major rail projects and can provide dedicated or priority lanes on busy roads.

Supporters of the approach say better cross-suburban connections would provide residents with more transport choices and could reduce dependence on private vehicles.

Sydney's population is continuing to grow, particularly in Western and South-Western Sydney, increasing demand for reliable public transport.

Some communities in these areas face long travel times because existing services are designed around radial connections rather than direct suburb-to-suburb journeys.

The report suggests that a more flexible network could connect major employment centres, shopping districts, universities, hospitals and transport hubs.

Improved bus connections could also complement Sydney's existing rail and metro systems by providing convenient links to stations.

The proposal comes as Sydney continues to invest heavily in major transport infrastructure, including metro extensions and projects associated with Western Sydney's growth.

However, large rail projects can take many years to plan and construct. Rapid bus improvements could potentially provide additional capacity while longer-term infrastructure is developed.

Transport planners will need to consider population growth, employment locations and changing travel patterns when deciding where new services should operate.

The proposal also highlights the importance of reliable services, frequent buses and dedicated infrastructure if public transport is to compete effectively with private cars.

For commuters, better connections between suburban centres could reduce travel times and make public transport more practical for everyday journeys.

The discussion forms part of a broader debate about how Sydney should plan its transport network as the city expands.

A transport system with stronger connections between multiple centres could help distribute economic activity across the metropolitan area rather than concentrating journeys through the CBD.

The report's recommendations are likely to contribute to continuing discussions about future public transport investment across Sydney.