It’s Opal-free travel on Busway services as union drivers won’t switch turn on card readers
MEMBERS of the Transport Workers Union will not be turning on the Opal cards or selling single trip tickets on Busways services from Friday, September 2 to Saturday, September 10.
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MEMBERS of the Transport Workers Union will not be turning on the Opal cards or selling single trip tickets on Busways services from Friday, September 2 to Saturday, September 10.
The announcement came after the union agreed to cancel their planned strike action for next Monday, September 5.
However, the non use of Opal cards will only affect 35 per cent of the services in Western Sydney and Central Coast according to a Busways spokesman.
A spokesman for Busways, confirming the Opal announcement, said they held an enterprise negotiation meeting yesterday with delegates from the TWU “as part of our continued efforts to
negotiate a new enterprise agreement”.
Strike action over the past few weeks has affected school bus services on several western Sydney routes.
“The discussions between both parties progressed throughout the day and the TWU have
decided to cancel the planned stop work action for next Monday,” the spokesman said.
“However, the planned industrial action for today will continue.
“A majority of Opal card readers will still be in operation.
“TWU members participating in the industrial action from Friday, September 2, to 1am on Saturday, September 10, at 1am will not turn on Opal card readers and will not sell single trip tickets for customers, represent the actions taken by 35 per cent of our permanent employees who are union members.
“Busways senior management will be meeting with delegates and officials from the TWU
next Monday, September 5, to continue its negotiations.
“Busways is hoping that continued progress will be made and that further industrial action is averted.
“Busways apologises for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and appreciates
the community’s understanding throughout this period of industrial action.
“Customers should be aware that real time information available on public transport apps
may also be impacted.”
For updated information, visit transportnsw.info or call 131 500.
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