Dear members,

The NSW Government has angered the bull, and now we're coming in with the horns.

In a continuation of its usual disregard for drivers and commuters, NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has announced that 25 bus routes in the Eastern suburbs will be slashed and the excuse is to funnel commuters into the poorly planned light rail. This is after wholesale redesign of the North and West, both of which had an overall negative impact on rostered work, as well as making life harder for people trying to catch a bus.

All communities rely on a secure, safe, and reliable public bus network to help them in their daily travels. By demolishing routes without consultation, the NSW government has again shown that it considers the travelling public no different to it's employees- nothing more than a number. They put out information and asked for feedback, but unless you’re a transport professional there’s no way the everyday person can decipher it, and they’ve only done that in the East where Labor MPs are standing up for commuters. It’s a cynical attempt to railroad their changes through and has to be called out for what it is!

Especially damning is the way that these route cuts will affect the amount of lines of work we have in the rosters. In the hope of reducing that impact and getting the NSW Government to listen, please attend the community rally on the 30th May! Join us at the rally and RSVP here. If we can make enough noise we may get some changes and save lines of work, and if we make a LOT of noise, we may get some work back elsewhere.

Over to something that hopefully lifts some spirits, those at Randwick bus depot whose mouths have been watering over all the news of previous depot BBQs are in luck! We'll be coming your way on Monday 24th May from 11.00am to 1.00pm to serve up some delicious food and check in with you all. So, save the date and see you there!

We are continuing to appeal to members to please give generously to the donation accounts we have set up for the following members:

Michael Yammouni, a TSA bus driver from Leichhardt bus depot - Michael has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian. All funds from the account will go towards Michael's legal defence. View the details on where to donate here.

Roy Stanton, an STA bus driver from Randwick bus depot - Roy has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a delivery driver. All funds from the account will go towards Roy's legal defence. View the details on where to donate her.

We also encourage you to show your support for the most recent RTBU campaign calling for the government to protect COVID-vulnerable workers.The petition targets workers with pre-existing conditions who are more susceptible to adverse effects from the virus. Implementing a financial support system similar to JobKeeper will allow them to remain safe at home and securely employed to ensure they can stay out of harm's way. As essential workers, we know that a way to ensure safe and secure employment in the face of adversity should be a right for all.

We hope that you continue to stay safe and well. 

Randwick Bus Depot BBQ

We're happy to announce the next stop of our depot BBQ tours: Randwick Bus Depot!

We'll see you there on Monday 24th May from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Dozens of Sydney bus services cut in eastern suburbs transport overhaul

More than 20 bus routes will be cut from Sydney’s eastern suburbs and another 23 “modified” as part of a planned major overhaul of the region’s transport system. Among the services being cut are the popular 373 from Coogee to Circular Quay and the 393 from Little Bay to Central as well as the X40, X93 and X99. 

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance confirmed on Thursday that 25 bus routes would be removed from the south-east Sydney region as the government looks to funnel more people onto the CBD light rail. He said there would be no job cuts. 

Rail, Tram and Bus Union division secretary David Babineau described the transport overhaul as a “betrayal of local residents”.

“At the same time, it’s a complete slap in the face to be offered their first chance to have their say while learning of the complete demolition of their bus network,” Mr Babineau said.

Read the full article on The Sydney Morning Herald.

Let’s look after COVID-Vulnerable workers, and keep Australians safe.

Australia is doing an incredible job of containing the COVID-19 virus. But when outbreaks occur, not everyone can work from home during a lockdown - and this loss of income is disastrous for workers and their families.

The RTBU is launching its campaign for a COVID-Vulnerable worker payment, allowing workers to continue receiving their full pay, while staying at home and out of harm’s way during a lockdown period. Help us keep Australia and its workers safe.

Sign the petition, spread the word.

Watch an explainer video here.

Donations for TSA Driver Michael Yammouni

Donations are being collected to assist a TSA bus driver from Leichhardt bus depot. Michael has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

We’ve all had and seen near misses and know how easily this could happen to any one of us. The RTBU has set up an account for drivers to donate to and help with Michael’s legal defence. Add your name or depot location to the deposit reference field so Michael knows who has contributed.

Thank you for supporting our colleague as he traverses this most difficult of times.

View the details on where to donate on the Tram & Bus website.

Donations for STA Driver Roy Stanton

Donations are being collected to assist an STA bus driver from Randwick bus depot. Roy has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a delivery driver.

We’ve all had and seen near misses and know how easily this could happen to any one of us. The RTBU has set up an account for drivers to donate to and help with Roy’s legal defence. Add your name or depot location to the deposit reference field so Roy knows who has contributed.

View the details on where to donate on the Tram & Bus website.

COVID-19: FAQs

We are constantly updating the COVID-19 frequently asked questions section of the website, so please make sure you head there and have a look. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Division office at nswbus@rtbu-nsw.asn.au. 

Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers