Media Release: Finally. New Newcastle bus timetable long overdue

Any new bus timetable in Newcastle must be drafted in consultation with the community and drivers, the RTBU said today.

 

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tram and Bus Division President, Dave Woollams, said that news today that Keolis Downer will change its problem-ridden timetable is very welcomed, albeit it long overdue.

 

However, the RTBU warned that the company would end up in a similar predicament unless it committed to properly consulting with the community and workers on the timetable changes.

 

“It’s great to see the company has finally listened to the concerns of workers and commuters and taken action, but we’re not going to get too excited until we see the details of the changes,” Mr Woollams said.

 

“The bus service in Newcastle has been nothing short of shambolic since Transport Minister, Andrew Constance, hastily sold our bus service off to the private sector.

 

“Newcastle bus privatisation has been a case study in why privatisation of our transport services doesn’t work.

 

“It’s incredible just how wrong they got this timetable, but hopefully we’re about to see a change for the better.

 

“Why it’s taken so long to listen to the feedback from workers and the community and finally commit to taking action to fix the timetable is beyond me, but it’s good that it’s finally happening.