Bus drivers slam 11th hour signing of private bus contracts

Revelations that the former Liberal Government’s signed long-term deals with private bus operators just weeks before the state election and at a time when the downfalls of bus privatisation were a hot topic in the community are bitterly disappointing, bus drivers say.

RTBU Tram and Bus Secretary, David Babineau, said the contracts will make it harder for the new Labor Government to unpick the bus privatisation mess, however he said it’s crucial the new government find a way to address our bus problems.

“The signing of long-term contracts despite bus privatisation being a disaster by every measure is a classic example of the way the former Liberal Government handled transport,” Mr Babineau said.

“There’s no question bus privatisation hasn’t worked, yet rather than listen to the views of commuters and workers, the former government decided to sign deals with its mates that locked in private services for years to come.

“The fact that the contracts were signed at a time when the poor handling of our bus services was a key political issue in many areas makes it all the more dodgy and worthy of investigation.

“However, finger pointing won’t get us anywhere. The current government now has a responsibility to look over the contracts with a fine-tooth comb and tell commuters how it is going to address the issues plaguing our bus services.

“The commuters of Sydney deserve a world-class bus service. The previous Liberal Government wasn’t able to deliver that – now it’s up to the current government to show us how it will.