TWU WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR BUS DRIVERS IN NSW

The TWU welcomes Minister Jo Haylen’s announcement today at the TWU Delegates Conference 2023 of free public transport for bus drivers.

Following the launch of the Road to Respect campaign in late July, this is an industry win for bus drivers across the state, and is set to incentivise drivers to get behind the wheel.

After years of significant bus driver shortages, the TWU sees this as an initial step to begin rebuilding the industry after almost a decade of disregard from the previous NSW government.

This is also seen as an initial move toward creating a real sense of respect within the industry, and strides toward reforming the facilities and amenities crisis which bus drivers are facing every day.

Bus drivers will now be able to access bathroom facilities at train stations, which is a simple and practical step toward solving these issues.

TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary, Richard Olsen said:

“There are bus drivers in 2023 who are still being expected to bring bottles and buckets on to buses. It is disgraceful that the previous government has allowed the industry to decline as rapidly as it has.”

“The current NSW Government must intervene, as it is placing immense pressures on the drivers who are responsible for some of our most vulnerable communities. Our kids, our parents, our grandparents use buses, and safety must be at the forefront.”

“We would like to acknowledge and thank the Bus Industry Taskforce for taking steps forward in improving the bus industry for all drivers. This is a win for bus drivers, who have been ignored time and time again by state governments.”

“These reforms are essential to ensuring that our communities are safe, and these essential workers are being treated fairly. The government must continue to work with us to improve the industry, and address the bus driver shortage.”

Media contact: Caitlin Marlor 0405 625 208