Just another Problem for Keolis Downer in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There appears to be even more problems with Newcastle's private transport operator Keolis Downer.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has been told by parents at St Pius X High School that buses have failed to pick their children up leaving them with no choice but to take them to school themselves.

On one occasion, a parent says the 816 bus that takes her son from The Junction to St Pius X High School failed to turn up twice.

Tim Crakanthorp says it's just not on.

"There's a lot wrong with this private operator at this point, but I've got real concerns with school kids being left alone on the side of the road with buses not turning up. That's a real problem."

Keolis Downer is already facing a lot of criticism across the board for their treatment of their drivers by underpaying them, not directly paying payments to superannuation and private healthcare, and also not handing over complete uniforms.

"It's up to this government to pull them into line, they've got a contract with them and there are rewards for increasing patronage, but I want to know if there are any penalties for missing kids, leaving kids on the side of the road and putting their health and safety at risk. That's what I want to know," said Tim Crakanthorp.

He says he'll be raising the issue in Parliament this week.

"I'm calling on Minister Constance to take control of this situation as we've had kids missed for buses for school on numerous occasions. So with over 300 bus services missed this minister really needs to step in ad pull this company into line. It's just not good enough."

Transport Worker's Union want investigation into number of fatal crashes

BY JAMES WARD

The Transport Worker's Union(TWU) is calling for an investigation into the number of fatal truck crashes on NSW roads.

Six people were killed in the last 24 hours in truck related crashes calling for an investigation into the industry.

Two people were killed north of Gloucester this morning which comes after two people were killed near Sutton Forest yesterday evening and another two people were also killed at Bendemeer yesterday.

TWU National Assistant Secretary, Michael Kaine, says these incidents are tragic and says drivers are under far too much pressure to meet demands.

"This is an industry under increasing pressure, it is being squeezed by wealthy retailers and manufacturers that are cutting transport contracts to the bone and the result is drivers are working too fast and too long," Kaine said.

"The Federal Government just abolished a tribunal a year ago, a tribunal that on its own reports said that 28% of truck crashes would be reduced if the tribunal stayed in place, since the tribunal was cut by the federal government there has been a spike in horrific incidents on our roads.

Between January and March this year, deaths from trucks have increased by 7.2% compared to last year according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.

Also, 40% of all workplace deaths this year have involved transport workers according to Safe Work Australia.

"The government needs to put a body back in place that has the ability to do exactly what the one it tore down could do and that is look at the pressures that are on this industry and lift these pressures, look at the pressure put on the industry by major economic forces that are forcing transport companies to push drivers too hard," Kaine stated.

Source: Truck and Bus News Australia

Police out in force for Operation Saturation

BY JARROD MELMETH

Hunter Traffic and Highway patrol officers will commence a state-wide operation tomorrow to target road users putting themselves and others at risk.

Operation Saturation - part of Operation Towards Zero - begins tomorrow and concludes on 27 November 2016 and comes at a time when the states road toll has reached 342 deaths so far this year.

The high visibility crack down will be focusing on speeding, illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet compliance, driver fatigue and drink and drug driving, with officers engaging with road users to raise their awareness and educate them on the risks of irresponsible road use.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Acting Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy says the responsibility of reducing road trauma lies with every person using the road.

"Drivers, riders, cyclists, passengers and pedestrians all have to play a part in assisting us to bring this tragic and avoidable loss of life to an end." he said.

"We will ensure that anyone caught taking risks, or risking the lives of others, will be stopped and dealt with according to the law."

So far this year, 342 people have died on NSW roads, 32 more than the same time last year.

Photo source: NSW Police