Private companies invited to take over public buses on the northern beaches and north shore
Community concerns are growing about a move to allow a private company to take over State Transit bus services on the northern beaches and parts of the north shore.
Manly
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Private companies have been officially invited to make a bid to operate public bus services on the northern beaches.
The NSW Government launched a tender process today that will eventually lead to the State Transit services in Region 8 — which includes the northern beaches and parts of the north shore — being franchised out.
But critics have slammed the move as “privatisation” that will end up with services being cut and jobs being lost.
It is understood the awarding of the contract is scheduled for November with the new operator taking over services in mid-2021.
Transport for NSW said today that it had invited transport operators from around the world to register their interest in operating the bus services on behalf of the government.
“As part of this process, the government will retain control of all assets including buses and depots, and continue to be responsible for setting fares and regulating routes,” a spokesman said.
“Already, private operators run services for the NSW Government in 11 of our 14 bus regions in the Sydney Metropolitan area.
“Franchising the three remaining bus regions (including the eastern suburbs) currently operated by State Transit will mean better services and better value for money for taxpayers.”
Last year Transport Minister Andrew Constance said a competitive tender for metropolitan bus contracts will enable the Government to reinvest more into delivering better services to commuters.
“We know customers want more buses, more often, as well as a mix of bus services that cater to their needs. This includes high-frequency services on major routes, like the B-Line, and frequent direct options such as on-demand services for short, local trips.”
The Rail Tram and Bus Union, which represents drivers, said today described the tender announcement as “an outrageous attack on frontline workers and commuters”.
The union’s Tram and Bus Division secretary, David Babineau said: “Unless this decision is reversed, commuters are going to emerge from the darkness of the coronavirus pandemic to find their local bus services and stops are on the chopping block.
“The NSW Government will attempt to spin this by saying using words like ‘franchising’ and claims that measures have been put in place to protect jobs.
“That’s absolute rubbish. Jobs are at risk and services will be cut. We’ve seen it in the inner-west and in Newcastle where this government has already pushed through its unpopular and unsuccessful privatisation plans.”
Last year State Transit staff and community supporters staged two public rallies — at Brookvale and Mona Vale — opposed to the franchising.
The protesters predict it would lead to the new contractor dropping unprofitable routes and a reduction in the number of bus stops.