Don’t Sell Our Buses: what you need to know about bus privatisation

The NSW Government has made no secret of its plans to privatise more of Sydney’s bus networks.

Recent bus privatisation in the inner-west and Newcastle hasn’t worked. On-time running is down, routes have been cut, stops have closed, and workers’ conditions have plummeted.

In Region 6, on-time running has plummeted since the service was privatised. Since taking over, the private company has failed to meet its on-time running KPIs every month.

The NSW Government’s privatisation plans have failed dismally in Newcastle and in Region 6. It would be irresponsible for the Minister to even consider privatising even more of Sydney’s buses. But – we know what this Transport Minister is capable of…..

Commuters deserve to know their current routes and services are going to be protected, and bus drivers deserve to know their wages and conditions are also going to protected.

Cuts to local bus services aren’t just an inconvenience – they’re a serious risk. In Newcastle we’ve seen kids left by the side of the road; the less-able in the community forced to change buses multiple times to get to appointments, or stop using public transport altogether.

It’s a basic responsibility of our government to provide a safe, affordable and reliable public transport network, but at the moment the NSW Government seems intent on shirking that responsibility.

The RTBU is going to fight hard to protect bus drivers’ wages and working conditions. But if we’re to be successful, we all need to work together. This won’t be easy, but if we stay united, we can protect our jobs and our public transport system.

What can you do right now?

• Talk to your family, friends and co-workers about the risks of privatisation. Got questions about privatisation? Speak to your local delegate or call the RTBU office.
• Sign up to Our Transport: www.ourtransport.org.au and ask your family and friends to do the same. We’ll be campaigning publicly through that site.
• If you haven’t already, join your union. We’re stronger together.
• Watch the video below on how bus privatisation affects you.

Transdev CSLER EA Negotiations

We are currently negotiating an Enterprise Agreement with Transdev who are the operators of the new City South East Light Rail (CSELR). Originally the company only came to the table with the bare minimum offer of the National Employment Standards (NES) which was rejected by the union and the employee representatives.

The union insisted that the current agreement that covers the workers at Pyrmont tram depot (except for the Inner West Light Rail Drivers who are covered by a different agreement) be the starting point. The union has been successful in this endeavour with a few exceptions. The main one of those exceptions has been around the buyout of the current paid meal break. Transdev would have members believe that this buyout of the meal break gives more flexibility to its staff, when in reality the buyout means you spend more time at work for a similar rate of pay. Transdev have put it forward that changes they are proposing are all about flexibility when really they are looking at this expansion as an opportunity for cost cutting measures.

The union will continue to negotiate for better wages and conditions. We refuse to let employers get away with deception. Employees have worked hard to earn these rights and we aren't letting Transdev get away with the bare minimum. Please contact us for more information.

NSW Government says more bus routes to be axed

A new Opal card data analysis has helped identify the busiest and least used bus routes. The government is using this data to announce more bus routes being cut and focusing on the west with increased routes.

Meanwhile, overcrowded and overly used bus routes include the 333 North Bondi to Circular Quay, the B1 Mona Vale to Wynyard, route 343 from Kingsford to Chatswood and the 400 Bondi Junction to the Airport.

“What the government isn’t saying is that the only reason certain routes are overcrowded is because they’ve cancelled all alternative services. In addition, they’re cutting more routes and adding even more pressure to existing services. For people in those areas, the services may not be at capacity but it’s all they’ve got.  We have no community consultation at all when it comes to these changes, the 378 service in the eastern suburbs is a good example of services being lost regardless of community outrage.” says RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau.

Please click here to read more.

Sydney’s George St light rail finally up and running

Four years after the closure of George Street, there has finally been news. The first light rail tram rolled down the road last week with Gladys Berejiklian and the NSW Transport crew.

Until 1961, Sydney’s tram network was a huge public service but this was cancelled and replaced with the roads we had up until last week.

Some of the many issues with the light rail include blowing out budgets, commuter and business complaints, legal problems and continuous delays, the destruction of trees planted along ANZAC Parade to honour members of the First Australian Imperial Force in WWI, the outright demolition of a trove of indigenous artefacts, and the mistreatment of discovered human remains. The final bill is almost double the initially proposed budget demonstrating more excellent financial leadership from the self-styled ‘economic managers’ of the LNP.

There are also plans to introduce light rail services between Randwick and Circular Quay. Pedestrians and cyclists are urged to be careful of the new services.

Please click here to read more from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Parramatta light rail funding delayed by NSW Government

A levy placed on new apartments by the Berejiklian government to fund the Parramatta light rail has been delayed, meaning funding for the project is very little.

The government has already admitted the construction of the second stage of the project will be difficult – there is not enough funding or time.

The reality is that most of the apartments which would have been levied for funding have already been built and can no longer be counted on to finance the light rail project.

“It’s not surprising that this government is having trouble with funding, you can only gain a windfall from selling assets once after all. They’re trying to do too much at once and think that axing current services is the way to move forward. They should focus on getting the current public transport system right before introducing new projects, the transport network should not be at the mercy of political considerations.” says RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau.

Please click here to read more from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Canberra Metro: abuse on the rise

Customer Service Officer members at Canberra Metro have raised serious concerns about a steady rise in the numbers of workers being abused while at work.

Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau said the union is incredibly concerned about members’ reports of abuse and harassment.

“It’s clear that the operator needs to put adequate measures in place to ensure that incidents that occur can be accurately reported and passed onto the relevant authorities.

“No one should be subjected to harassment or abuse while they’re at work.

“Customer Service Operators are simply trying to do their job of getting people to and from where they need to be safely and efficiently. They shouldn’t be forced to deal with the kind of behaviour that is being reported.”

Members with any concerns should contact the union.

How Australia compares to the 10 fastest public transport systems in the world

A new study from the Polytechnic University of Turin has compared public transport services around the world in terms of average velocity, sociality and city cohesion. Australia just made the list with Melbourne at number 10.

European cities, Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Athens made the top 5 but in certain rankings, Adelaide and Sydney were also top contenders.

Sydney was high in terms of how many people you could meet on a single commute whereas Adelaide made the list for having a large fraction of the population able to be reached in a regular trip.

To read more, please click here.