Rail, Tram and Bus Union wants Newcastle Buses back in Public Hands

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has welcomed calls for Newcastle's bus network to be back under public ownership.

It follows news the State government is investigating the possibility of returning Newcastle's buses to the public sector, once Keolis Downer's contract ends at the end of 2027.

Under the former Coalition government, Newcastle buses were privatised back in 2017, with a commitment to ensure improved bus services as a whole.

Almost 10 years later, Newcastle's bus network is plagued by a host of customer complaints and safety concerns.

The Union's NSW Tram and Bus Division President, Peter Grech said the community has suffered a range of various impacts, ever since Keolis Downer began operating Newcastle's bus network.

"The community, as a whole has suffered," he said.

"When they took over, they cut services in half, there's communities left isolated, [and] services not showing up that are scheduled to show up.

"There's a lot of inconsistencies in regards to Keolis Downer's operations."

He went further to state the Union is looking forward to helping improve the quality of Newcastle's bus network, should a transition to public ownership occur.

"The community in Newcastle has been left with a 'have-to-use' service rather than a 'want-to-use' service, and we want to turn that around," he said.

"I think it's a really important part for the community.

"It just blossoms everything, when people are using public transport, they're using local shops, [and] using local community services."

The Union will be launching their latest report into the impacts of privatisation on the quality of Newcastle buses tonight at NEX.

Community members are invited to attend.

Picture Supplied.

Union Calls For Action After Violent Bus Attack

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

Local unions members are calling for better safety protections on Newcastle buses, after a driver was violently attacked by a passenger earlier this week. 

At around 11pm on Wednesday night, police were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown following reports a bus passenger allegedly punched and stabbed a driver in the hand. 

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with numerous offences. 

However, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has said the attack has worsened fears around the current safety measures present on Newcastle buses. 

The incident comes alongside more than 12 months of enterprise bargaining between the RTBU and private transport operator Keolis Downer, over safety measures, pay and working conditions. 

Tram and Bus Division President Peter Gresch said the attack highlights the ongoing safety risks drivers are currently facing within the region. 

"This is a horrific attack on a worker who was simply doing his job," Mr. Grech said.

"We've seen a string of violent incidents on Newcastle buses in recent months. 

"Drivers have been spat on, bashed, assaulted - and now even stabbed. 

"This cannot continue."

Mr Gresch added the incident should not be overlooked by Keolis Downer. 

"It should be a strong wake-up call for not only Keolis Downer, but for the NSW Government and Transport NSW as well," Mr Gresch said. 

"They need to act and react to what's happened. 

"We've been calling for these changes for many, many years and everyone keeps sitting on their hands."

The RTBU is calling for immediate discussions to ensure stronger protections are put in place to keep both drivers and passengers safe.

Picture: RTBU

Keolis Downer Puts New Pay Offer To Newcastle Bus Drivers

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle bus operator Keolis Downer has put a revised offer to drivers in the hope of bringing industrial action to an end.

The company has made an Enterprise Agreement pay offer of 15.5% over four years with an extra 8% over the same period for Year 1 trainees.

This Trainee offer is designed to close the current wage gap and boost recruitment and retention of staff in the long term.

The revised offer retains existing conditions and entitlements.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union is yet to respond to the latest offer.

 

Two Boys Arrested Over Alleged Assaults On Newcastle Bus Drivers

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys have charged over the alleged assault of two bus drivers in separate incidents last week.

Police have been told three males were fighting on a bus last Thursday when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights are asked them to get off.

When leaving it's alleged one of the teens punched the driver.

A short time later the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers.

The bus stopped at Glendale where the passengers got off, but police say the trio forced open the rear door and assaulted the second driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear or harm, and hindering police in the execution of their duty.

He faced the children's court on yesterday and was refused bail to face the same court next Monday, February 24.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of a second 14-year-old boy yesterday.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with common assault and affray.

He was granted strict conditional bail to face the children's court on Monday February 24.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

 

Hamilton Misses Out On Beaumont Street Buses Again

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle bus operator, Keolis Downer is defending a decision not to include Beaumont Street Hamilton in it's revised bus routes.

The new timetable and routes came into force yesterday in response to a community backlash to the revised bus network announced in January.

The new network now includes more direct routes to the eastern side of Lake Macquarie, but no services down Beaumont Street, despite calls from the Hamilton Business Chamber.

Keolis Downer maintains there's no need for the service as only 60 passengers a day were using it before it was cut, and not having buses running along Beaumont Street has improved the urban amenity of the area.

Changes On The Cards For Newcastle Bus Timetables

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Buses operator, Keolis Downer is expected to announce changes to routes and timetables today following a public outcry.

Fairfax reports direct connections between eastern Lake Macquarie and Charlestown Square and Westfield Kotara will be introduced, while links to the major business hubs will also be created.

Direct services will also be introduced from Swansea Heads to Charlestown and the Newcastle CBD.

Keolis Downer says it will also improve bus services to The House With No Steps at Lambton - one of the region's largest disability service providers.

The timetable changes are expected to be introduced in July.

Labor Leader Luke Foley Addresses A Recent Protest Meeting About Newcastle Buses At Belmont

Newcastle Buses Petition Goes To State Parliament

BY IAN CROUCH

Around 100 people will travel to state parliament this afternoon to deliver a petition of 20,000 thousand signatures calling for a review of Newcastle buses.

Commuters have been complaining in large numbers since the bus network and timetables were overhauled in January, with many saying popular routes have been cut and services are turning up late or not at all.

Hamilton resident, Patricia Mulligan has collected 3000 signatures and says the changes have had a massive impact on the elderly.

"...and even going up to Beaumont Street, that 201 has been taken away and also we can;t get to Aldi because there's no 201 that goes over there, which was very convenient and people here enjoy having that bus and it was really good," she said.

Hamilton Resident, Patricia Mulligan (second from right) discusses concerns about Newcastle Buses with Hunter state Labor Mps

Transport Minister Urged to "Fix" Newcastle Buses As Commuters Return To Cars

BY IAN CROUCH

The state opposition is stepping up pressure on the Transport Minister to come clean about the true extent of patronage since the introduction of the new timetable came into force for Newcastle buses.

The government continues to claim commuter numbers have increased since the new timetable and bus routes started in January, however Labor says Opal data contradicts this.

Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp, Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery, Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison and Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley joined with residents outside the Hamilton bus depot on Friday morning to urge Transport Minister Andrew Constance to review the timetable and restore key routes across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas.

A petition of 20,000 signatures is being presented to parliament next week, with a debate on the issue expected on Thursday.

Tim Crackanthorp says the situation is being made worse as more people get back in their cars for the city commute

"This week we had the Lee Wharf Parking Station closed down - that's over 250 parking spaces. People want to use public transport...but the bus network is an absolute disaster," he said.

Hunter Labor Mps Meet With Affected Residents Outside The Hamilton Bus Depot

MP Claims Newcastle Buses Being Used As Private Taxis

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Labor Mps are stepping up pressure on the state government to conduct a review of the Newcastle bus network amid claims buses are being used as private taxis.

Charlestown Mp, Jodie Harrison has told parliament a bus due at Broadmeadow Station on February 23 never arrived, leaving two commuters stranded.

She said a bus marked "not in service" was used to take the pair to their destination at Redhead.

Jodi Harrison says she receives calls from constituents daily about buses running late.

It comes after Keolis Downer this week reported a 5 per cent increase in patronage in January.

Charlestown Mp Jodie Harrison