Petition sparks debate in bear pit

A PETITION opposing timetable changes on the Newcastle bus network has enough signatures to trigger a debate in state parliament, Hunter Labor MPs say.

The MPs said they had collected 10,000 signatures – enough to start a parliamentary debate – after launching the petition in the wake of the January changes on the privatised Keolis Downer bus network.

The petition follows a public meeting held at Belmont last month that attracted 1000 angry commuters.

Another meeting is scheduled to be held at Gregson Park, Hamilton, on March 18 at 10.30am.