Dear members,

A huge sigh of relief has been released by those who have been separated from loved ones in New Zealand, with travel set to commence once more from April 19th. Following a lockdown for our neighbours in Queensland and Byron Bay, the return of international travel between Australia and New Zealand seems more than welcome.

The Transport Workers Union have put forward an offer to the RTBU National Office to end the demarcation dispute that has seen the TWU move into Trams and sign Greenfield Agreements with some companies tendering for the current STA-run regions. Click here for a brief update from the Tram & Bus division.

As mentioned in the previous Express, the NSW Government announced an easing of restrictions from Monday 29th March. One of these is that mask use on public transport is now "Strongly Recommended", rather than "Mandatory". Masks are still encouraged in situations where you cannot practice social distancing (i.e. peak times).

Turning to the latest news, Northwest and Hills bus services will shift on April 18th, when an additional 2,000 services are introduced on local networks. Box Hill, Rouse Hill, Pitt Town, McGraths Hill, Riverstone, Schofields, Marsden Park and Mt Druitt have received these extra services as NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance cites exponential population growth in these areas.

And an oddity - Busways is set to trial its new BusBot in Coffs Harbour. A driverless shuttle bus. Busways' Managing Director says it's their step forward in contributing to the all-electric fleet the NSW Government wants to implement by 2030. The trial phase is yet to commence, but we can imagine that a lot of logistics, planning and consultation should go into this prior to post-trial decisions are to be made. Nevertheless, this doesn't hide the fact that a driverless service is absolutely damning to the job security of drivers. The safety of passengers is also questionable, especially with the absence of a driver in dangerous circumstances. It's not a bus without a driver!

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. 

Northwest and Hills bus services: Bus overhaul revealed

Buses in Sydney’s northwest are set for a shake up as part of an overhaul set to start in less than two weeks.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who announced the changes just ahead of the Easter long weekend, said the changes were being made in a bid to support the area’s growing population.

The changes will provide more than 2,000 additional weekly services to commuters in areas including Box Hill, Rouse Hill, Pitt Town, McGraths Hill, Riverstone, Schofields, Marsden Park and Mt Druitt.

The changes will come into effect on April 18th.

See the full list of changes on The Daily Telegraph. Please note that this article is behind a paywall.

Automated BusBot begins driverless trials in Coffs Harbour

Residents of Coffs Harbour are set to trial an automated public shuttle bus operated without a supervisor or driver. Australian bus company Busways launched its “BusBot” automated shuttle bus in Coffs Harbour at the beginning of 2019.

The driverless trial will again operate at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour, marking the first time in the world an automated passenger shuttle bus service has reached driverless operation.

This is the same company that is eager to set up a two-tiered workplace if they win one of the STA contracts. A company that sees employees as nothing but potential profit if they can squeeze them enough, is trying to find a way to get rid of drivers completely- and the NSW LNP Government is fully supportive.

Read the full article on The Driven.

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