The Rail Tram and Bus Union is urging Newcastle Council to use the postponement of its driverless shuttle trials to consult with the community on the city's public transport needs.
Council has decided to delay the trial due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Union maintains the driverless shuttles are dangerous, expensive and won't meet the public transport needs of Newcastle, saying with social distancing, only 3 people can ride on them at the same time.
Union President, Daniel Jaggers says the money being poured into the project should be used to put cancelled bus services back on the road.
"In a growing city in desperate need of reliable, high-capacity public transport, the wasted public funds poured into this pet project are sorely needed to put dozens of cancelled bus services back on the road and closed stops back into operation," he said.
He says council needs to take the opportunity to refocus on the transport needs of the city.
"This is the perfect time for the City of Newcastle to discontinue this project before any more precious time and funding is spent, and instead work with Transport for NSW, and the community it serves, on how to improve existing services," he said.
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| Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the launch of the driverless shuttle trial in July 2019 Picture: zdnet.com |
