Dear members,

The Tram and Bus Division has been hard at it this week. We won't let the pressure on the NSW Government regarding bus privatisation ease. They deserve to be reminded at all times about the very real consequences of their decision to monetise an essential public service.

Thank you to everyone who has joined in the fight by attending rallies, calling their local MP or the Premier's office, sharing our posts on social media and spreading the word. Every little bit counts and we have big plans for our ongoing battle. If you have any suggestions or feedback, feel free to drop us a line by contacting the office, sending us an email or contacting us on Facebook. 

This week we've also dived headfirst into our opposition to the trial of driverless buses in Newcastle. This is a project unparalleled in its irrationality and idiocy. There is not one good reason anyone can think of as to why driverless buses would be needed in Newcastle. If the community doesn't agree then who exactly wants these shiny new toys running around? This project can't be marketed as a positive for commuters. The buses run at a snail's pace and hold less than a dozen people. You may as well walk. 

Additionally, they do nothing to support the economy. They don't create jobs or an efficient transport system. Commuters are faced with route cuts and stop closures and sometimes forced to take 3 buses to work every day. We already  have the support of the community and members so we are pushing as hard as we can to get through to the people in charge. Clearly there are better uses for taxpayer money like perhaps towards the ongoing health crisis? The NSW Government's priorities are in full view for this project.

Remember, as always, to keep COVID safe. The Victorian flare up is a reminder that there is always a possibility for round two. Please make sure you are following public health advice and keep yourself armed with the right PPE. We encourage you to contact us with your health concerns.

Face masks: yes or no?

Throughout the pandemic, face masks have been a controversial issue with some believing they are unnecessary and some saying that they are important preventative measures.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) originally advised that they should be worn by healthcare workers, those with COVID-19 symptoms or people caring for those with the virus. However, this extended to WHO asking governments to encourage the wearing of face masks for people in infected areas where social distancing is difficult.

Health authorities in Australia have largely refused to agree with this saying that face masks aren't recommended as the rate of infection is not high enough. Masks can be worn if physical distancing isn't possible but still aren't necessary. 

Recently, due to the spike in Melbourne, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton and his officials are looking to develop new guidelines on the use of face masks, especially when people can't socially distance. This may be an important decision with consequences for NSW if they begin to encourage the use of face masks.

It is clear that on public transport, without the enforcement of physical distancing, often there are too many people on board. Therefore, as members are aware, the union has been advocating for the mandatory implementation of masks on public transport, especially for our drivers who are in contact with dozens of people on a daily basis. We are currently in the Industrial Relations Commission regarding the wearing of masks for drivers and passengers and we are due for a report back to them on the 22nd of July at 9:00am.

Members have been putting themselves in harm's way for too long. We thank you all for your service and hope that you keep safe. We have had members using our generously donated face masks and we hope that this is helping. See our guide to wearing face masks here. The NSW Government's response has been appalling. Instead of providing adequate PPE, they have instead come after members' employment and started the bus privatisation process. It is unacceptable that public transport is exempt from social distancing. What makes public transport staff less important?

Right now, what we know for sure is that it is important to not forget that masks are not a substitute for other preventative measures such as physical distancing and hand washing. We can't be lulled into a false sense of security. We will continue the fight and hope that the NSW Government also follows the advice of Victorian health authorities.

Media release: Driverless buses an idiot investment amid pandemic

The expansion of Keolis Downer’s driverless shuttle project is fiscally ludicrous, unsafe and out of touch with the community, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW has said, sinking millions into a project that doesn’t create substantial jobs or contribute to Newcastle’s high-capacity transport mix.

Feedback from the community has been lamenting for years the savage cuts to Newcastle’s bus network, with route cuts, service cuts and stop closures meaning many are forced to catch three different buses to get by every day.

Daniel Jaggers, President of the RTBU NSW Tram and Bus Division, says this is exactly the kind of sentiment that should have been considered when funding this pet driverless project, if proper community consultation had taken place before Council commitment.

“This is quite simply an idiot project to pursue with a looming recession,” said Mr Jaggers. “We need substantial investment that will both create jobs and contribute to Newcastle’s public services and economy.

“Now more than ever is the time for governments to listen to the community about what they need. Only substantial, strategic public investment can see us to the other side of the economic crisis of Covid-19. These tiny, shiny, expensive toys – which are so small they’d be lucky to fit 11 people – don’t make the cut.”

Click here to read the full release on Tram and Bus Express.

Bus privatisation radio ads

The battle to stop bus privatisation has meant that the Tram and Bus Division has been reaching out to the public through radio ads. We have also created this video outlining all of our efforts and the very real danger bus privatisation brings.

In the media

This week we have out and about informing the public about the idiocy of driverless bus trials in Newcastle. On top of this really not being the right time amongst a pandemic, they are highly dangerous and completely useless. Their capacity is so small that they may as well not be there. Commuters are also being forced to prepare for them with all other routes being cut and some have reported needing to catch 3 different buses on their daily route. 

An unbelievable waste of resources completely out of touch with the needs of the community as Divisional President Daniel Jaggers outlines in his interview on Newcastle Drive radio and again in this article in the Newcastle Herald.

See all our other media features on Tram and Bus Express.

Call an MP about bus privatisation

We can't give up on our fight against bus privatisation just yet. Our efforts during the second parliamentary debate did make a difference. We have a lot more people on our side ready to act and listen to what we have to say. Clearly this government doesn't have the best interests of the public at heart.

The Premier has a duty to workers that she has directly affected with her government's decision to monetise an essential public service. She must guarantee that workers will be taken care of and not just left to the mercy of private companies without any consequences. 

If you live in one of the affected regions and your MP is a member of the Government, there's still something you can do. You can call their office and ask them to oppose this decision:

• Vaucluse (Gabrielle Upton MP): (02) 9326 1856
• Ryde (Victor Dominello MP): (02) 9808 3288
• Wakehurst (Brad Hazzard MP): (02)9981 1111
• North Shore (Felicity Wilson MP): (02) 9909 2594
• Lane Cove (Anthony Roberts MP): (02) 9817 4757
• Willoughby (Gladys Berejiklian MP): (02) 9439 4199
• Manly (James Griffin MP): (02) 9976 2773
• Parramatta (Geoff Lee MP): (02) 9891 4722
• Pittwater (Rob Stokes MP): (02) 9999 3599
• Epping (Dominic Perrottet MP): (02) 9877 0266

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 again for your essential work during a time of crisis.

Once again, stay safe.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers