Hunter council’s move to protect public transport

In a major win for the community Newcastle Council has joined Lake Macquarie Council in condemning the sale of the regions public transport by the Baird Liberal Government.

Community anger has been growing as the state government is still refusing to back down from their deeply unpopular decision to sell off Hunter Transport to the highest bidder.

Recent polls show community opposition remains high.

“Locals want public transport, not profit transport,” Mr Preston said.

“More than 70% of locals are against this plan because they know just how bad it will get for the region.”

Privatising Hunter Transport would mean passengers will pay more for less, says Bus and Tram Division Secretary Chris Preston.

“Selling off the Hunter’s transport will mean fewer, and more expensive services,” Mr Preston said.

“Private companies are run to make money, and to make money in transport there will have to be cuts to jobs, cuts to services, and higher ticket prices.

The Union welcomed the moves by Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Councils, and said that other local government areas should come on board.

“There are nine other councils in the Hunter, and privatisation will affect all residents who rely on getting into and around Newcastle,” Mr Preston said.

“I call on Councillors in each of those areas to show their support for keeping Newcastle Buses in public hands.”

Read the motions of support here.

Download the anti-privatisation petition here and share it around!