Bus Drivers Object to State Government’s Sydney Bus Franchising Plans

    The number one public transport option for Lane Cove Commuters is buses.  Over the last couple of years, Lane Cove commuters have pushed for more bus services.

    In October 2019 the NSW State Government published a plan to “franchise” the buses  (the union called it privatisation) servicing Sydney, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore/CBD.  These Bus Areas would be operated by private contractors with the NSW Govt owning the buses and depots.

    Last year, ITC asked our Local Member the Hon Anthony Roberts to comment on this plan.  Anthony Roberts said that the system was not being privatised but was being opened up to the private sector to competitively tender to operate the buses.  He said this was the first step towards introducing a more flexible public transport system to benefit Lane Cove.  He noted that certain services during daytime are losing money and it would be better to have an on demand system during the day.

    Plan Not Well Received by Drivers or Commuters

    The Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Branch launched a campaign and website to stop the privatisation and encouraged commuters and supporters to sign an online petition to stop the privatisation. (details  here) 

    The petition was signed by 22 000 people.  On Thursday 6th February 2020 Drivers and Supporters presented the petition to the NSW Parliament.  It is hoped that this move will trigger several debates about privatisation on the floor of parliament.

    A post on the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Branch Facebook said the campaign to stop the NSW Government’s bus privatisation plans is just heating up.

    There is also a Keep Our Buses Public Meeting at West Ryde on 22 February 2020. Details here.

    The State Government is keen to go ahead with the “franchising” and will be issuing contracts to operators sometime later this year.

    If you do not want the bus system to change sign the petition here or attend the rally.

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