Bring back the 378 bus: Less likely with privatisation?
The Labor MP for Coogee has raised concerns for lesser-used eastern suburbs bus services as a result of privatisation, including the heavily-anticipated return of the 378.
Wentworth Courier
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The much-anticipated return of the 378 bus from Bronte to the City could be less likely if buses are privatised, according to the local MP.
The Berejiklian government announced on Thursday they would privatise more Sydney buses, including on the lower north shore and northern beaches, north western suburbs and eastern suburbs.
Coogee MP Marjorie O’Neill said the reason the 378 was discontinued was because it formed part of the region six buses, in the inner western suburbs, privatised in July last year.
In their State Election campaigns, both Liberal and Labor candidates for Coogee promised to bring back the 378 bus.
“Part of the justification (for removing the 378) we know is that (the Government) saw the leg from Bondi Junction to City wasn’t as profitable,” Dr O’Neill said.
She said people on the route are now struggling to get to healthcare services, such as St Vincent’s Hospital, and have lost direct access to Surry Hills.
“We know the moment you privatise public assets, profits come before people. The profitable routes will remain,” she said.
“Normal routes every day punter take to get around … they are the ones that are really under threat.”
The buses people take to go to the doctors, the supermarket, the library, hospitals.”
Dr O’Neill said privatisation will not just affect bus services but also bus stops.
“On Bondi road … the distance between bus stops used to be 400-500m. They are now close to 1km away. It denies access for older people,” she said.
“How can the Member for Vaucluse, Ms Upton support her Governments decision to cut
our buses, when she knows first-hand how important they are to Eastern Suburbs?” Dr O’Neill said.
But Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton said privatisation would mean more bus services in the region.
“This opens up the opportunity for more and better services for all our bus passengers which could include more high frequency services like the 333 Bondi bus and on-demand services,” Ms Upton said.
“The ageing diesel powered bus fleet will also be upgraded to electric vehicles,” she said.
“The Transport Minister has confirmed that any new operator will not commence until mid-2021 and until then, timetables and service delivery will continue as usual.”
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