Future of Red Bus Service in doubt as tender open for Central Coast contract

A petition has been launched to save the Red Bus Service, which has operated on the coast for 80 years, as the contract for the Central Coast bus service is put out to tender.

Red Bus Service drivers are rallying to save the iconic Central Coast bus service.

The future of the service is in doubt, with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) putting the Region 7 contract, covering The Entrance, Gosford and Wyong areas, out to tender.

Local drivers are fighting to save the service which has been operating across the region for the past 80 years, launching a petition for the State Government to “Save Red Bus Service” which now has more than 3400 signatures.

“We the bus drivers are sticking up for Red Bus,” long serving Red Bus Service driver David Malcolm told the Express.

The Red Bus Service has operated on the coast for 80 years. Picture: Facebook

“If they put it out to tender, anyone can go for it. A big company will undercut everything and Red Bus Service will be finished.”

Mr Malcolm said the Shore family had run Red Bus Service since 1940, starting with just five buses. The service, based at Bateau Bay, has grown to a fleet of 103 buses and staff of 160.

“The people that own Red Bus have done a fantastic job with this company,” Mr Malcolm said.

“The culture and the way they treat staff is phenomenal, it’s second to none. They employ locally, buy locally and donate to charities. They have been running longer than the Australian Reptile Park.”

Red Bus Service also has a safety bus which educates children about bus safety.

He said when a school student missed their stop or gets on the wrong bus, Red Bus have a light van that picks up the child and either returns them home or to the depot.

Mr Malcolm said Red Bus would be lodging a submission for the tender. Red Bus management declined to comment on the process at this stage.

“They just want to continue servicing the local area,” Mr Malcolm said. “The community is behind us, they are saying ‘enough is enough’.”

A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesman said TfNSW “routinely tests and assesses the market to ensure we deliver the best possible transport service and value for customers”.

Santa posing on The Entrance to Wyong run.

“We are currently making preparations for market testing for Region 7 bus services which operate on the Central Coast,” he said.

“Factors we are considering include customer comfort and safety, innovation skills, value and sustainability. All operators including existing service providers are invited and encouraged to be part of this process.”

The spokesman said TfNSW will work with the successful operator to support local jobs.

“Transport for NSW assures customers that service continuity will remain a priority.”

The Express understands that TfNSW has nine regions in Greater Sydney with contracts coming up for renewal every few years. TfNSW usually meet with existing contractors which present service packages, however on occasions there can be discrepancies which result in the contract going out for tender.

An announcement on the outcome of the tender process is expected in 2022. See the petition here.