Bus Express

Tuesday 4 Sept, 2018

Dear members,

Another week, another Andrew Constance fail. Last week we saw leaked documents which show that a complete lack of forward planning means that even if the NSW Government purchased new light rail trams today, we’re still going to be seeing severe levels of over-crowding on our light rail lines for the next three years at an absolute minimum.

We’ve been warning the NSW Government about over-crowding on our light rail network for years, but as usual, our incompetent, arrogant Transport Minister has ignored the advice of the experts.

Combine that with another epic fail on our train network that forced our comrades in the railways to deal with huge delays on the network yet again, and news that that Transport for NSW is spending $1.1million of taxpayers’ money to test how well audiences “recall” it’s advertisements and it makes you wonder how this Transport Minister has managed to survive so long in his job

It’s quite incredible that one man can manage to bungle so many vital projects.

Changing tack – a reminder to all members to check out the Bussies for Bales campaign (see the article below). Our members in Newcastle got the fundraiser to assist drought affected farmers going, and we’re all too happy to throw our support behind it. Our farmers are in desperate need of help. So if you can, please donate to this important cause.

In solidarity,

Chris Preston and Dave Woollams

Light rail ‘crush capacity’

Confidential government documents have revealed that the number of passengers enduring “crush capacity” on Sydney’s inner west light rail line or being left behind on platforms will worsen unless the NSW Government buys more trams.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the documents show that even if new trams are bought, it will be up to three years before they are running on the line before of the time it take to procure and commission them.

The Tram and Bus Division has long raised concerns about capacity and safety issues on the light rail. The government’s refusal to act is having – and will continue to have - a huge impact on our commuters.

Read the full article in the SMH here. Note: there may be a Paywall.

NSW Government light rail contract 'incompetent'

The NSW Government has been slammed in a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of the light rail.

The inquiry has unearthed a litany of issues that continue to hamstring the $2.1 billion project.

As you'll read in the AAP article, serious planning omissions, an “insanely” weak contract and workers urinating where they shouldn’t – they’re just some of the problems plaguing Sydney’s delayed eastern suburbs light rail.

Chris Preston, Bus & Tram Division Secretary said “This NSW Government is a joke. Commuters, tax payers and workers don’t deserve this.”

Read the full article here.

Incase you missed it...Bussies for Bales!

Have you seen the great fundraiser that our members in Newcastle are getting involved in?

The Bussies for Bales fundraiser is an initiative started by a Newcastle bus driver, John Wagner to assist our drought affected farmers around the state. The donations will go towards purchasing bales of hay to feed the starving animals.

We encourage all members across the state to be a part of this great fundraising initiative “Bussies for Bales” and donate to our farmers in need.

The best way to donate is by clicking this unique link for the Bussies for Bales initiative which will track how much money we raise! https://www.buyabale.com.au/donate/?supporter_id=62562