Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
No images? Click here
Member Update: April 23 2021
Dear members,
We want to take the time to remember those who have fought and fallen for our nation, and are thinking of our members who will be remembering their loved ones on ANZAC Day. It is always important to remember that we wouldn't be where we are today without the courage and fortitude of all soldiers who gave their hearts to protect people and country.
With travel finally resuming between Australia and New Zealand, we hope that those with loved ones in New Zealand will be able to reunite with them in due course. All in all, it's a cause for celebration as the opened borderers mark another step forward towards a sense of normalcy.
Keeping to the theme of easing restrictions, Acting Transport and Road Minister Paul Toole announced all public transport networks in the city are set to increase to 75 per cent capacity. This came into effect on Monday, along with the disappearance of those green dots we've all become so familiar with. Even though masks are no longer mandatory on public transport, mask use is still "Strongly Recommended" in situations where you cannot practice social distancing (i.e. peak times).
As always, it was a pleasure to catch up with those at Belmont Depot who had the privilege of digging into our Depot BBQ today. It's great that we're able to continue these BBQs for you. If we haven't stopped by your depot yet, don't fret. We have quite a few more of these to go, so keep your eyes peeled for info on the next one! In the meantime, here are some happy snaps from today.
In the news, the light rail has been slammed for failing to come close to its maximum capacity of 225 people per minute. Instead, it moved a mere 10 passengers per minute during its first year of operation. Transport for NSW chief operating officer Howard Collins argued that the general public had a generally positive response and satisfaction rate towards the light rail despite the pandemic affecting passenger numbers.
And a hard-fought bus service in Woodstock has turned on its head, with no passengers boarding in the first six weeks of its run.
Once again, we 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 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 hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
Transport NOW – April 2021
The April edition of Transport NOW has hit the stands.
In this edition you can read about the Morrison Government’s failed Omnibus Bill, the latest on the Keep Freight on Aussie Trains campaign, and updates from our comrades across the nation.
Green dots scrapped as restrictions eased
From Monday 19 April, capacity on buses, trains, light rail and ferries will return to 75 per cent on city services while regional transport will be allowed full capacity.
The green dot system - where either side of an occupied seat was left empty - has been rolled back to allow more passengers to board. However, they will be kept on hand for future re-implementation if needed.
"Health advice now allows public transport services to increase capacity, which means people can now sit next to each other on their trip," Acting Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said.
Sydney Light Rail only moves 10 passengers a minute
Sydney's light rail line delivered just 10 passengers a minute in its first year after the costs to build it blew out to $3 billion. This is well below the maximum capacity of 225 people per minute.
There were 4.45 million trips on the Randwick line and 4.55 million on the Kingsford line in the first year, a dismal 28 per cent of the predicted 31.4 million trips.
Transport for NSW chief operating officer Howard Collins argued that the use of the entire transport network declined by 80 per cent during the pandemic, and cited the November 2020 Transport for NSW Customer Satisfaction survey showing 96 per cent satisfaction with light rail users.
Fight for Woodstock bus garners no passengers
Residents of Woodstock, a small town in the central west of New South Wales, recently won a long-running battle for a community bus to help elderly residents get into town.
In an odd turn of events, the fortnightly service to Cowra has not seen a single passenger throughout its first six weeks of running.
Around 75 Woodstock residents signed a petition that was tabled with the state government by Cowra Bus Service, leading Transport for NSW to give the initiative $12,000 as part of the Transport Access Regional Partnerships grants program.
Bus Driver Christopher Parris said there were many local people without access to basic services, so it was confusing why no one was using it.
"It's a bit disheartening when you pull up and sit there with the door open, waiting, and no one turns up... The population is ageing and some don't have access to transport to go to the grocery store or doctor, so it's just ideal," he said.
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.
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
