Keolis Downer Under Fire For Poor Communication Following Bus Strike

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Newcastle Transport operator Keolis Downer is under fire for providing little communication to schools and locals after a stop work notice issued by the Rail Tram and Bus Union meant all services ground to a halt yesterday afternoon (Thursday March 13).

School and public timetables were thrown into chaos with some students stranded across the region, after the Union claimed a member of the public jumped on a bus and threatened to come back and attack the driver with a machete.

The local Health and Safety Representative then issued a cease unsafe work notice, which meant all buses were called back to their depots at Hamilton and Belmont, causing a slew of delays, before resuming later in the afternoon.

The RTBU has described the violence on buses as out of control, but Keolis Downer has questioned the way the Union handled the action claiming they didn't follow procedure outlined by SafeWork NSW.

The operator says the matter's being investigated.

 

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Changes to Newcastle Bus Services Released, Newcastle East Residents Given Direct Route to Marketown

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Community members can now start to plan their trips on the updated Newcastle bus network. 

From December 13, there will be changes across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie network, aimed at improving reliability and services. 

“Bus timetables, including some school bus services, have had their timings tweaked to improve the efficiency of the network for our customers," says Keolis Downer Hunter, General Manager, Mark Dunlop. 

“We have also extended the route 23 to Newcastle East, providing a direct connection for Newcastle East residents to Marketown, in response to customer feedback.” 

For more details on the improvements, including the new network map and timetables, customers can visit the newcastletransport.info. website. 

“I encourage our customers to head to newcastletransport.info or their favourite travel app to plan their new trip. 

“Our Customer Service Officers can also provide personalised assistance, to assist both existing customers and those new to public transport via our virtual travel concierge or at the Newcastle Interchange.” 

Customers can plan their trip, find out more about the improvements or get in touch with the Newcastle Transport team at http://newcastletransport.info.

Image Credit: Showbus