Dear members,

We'd like to start off this Express by extending a heartfelt Thank You to Dario Golini, who will be stepping down from his position as Randwick Tram Depot Workplace Delegate. Dario has made many contributions during his tenure, including a massive effort throughout Enterprise Agreement negotiations with Transdev. The role of Caretaker Workplace Delegate will be taken by Eddie Carr as we plan an election to fill the vacancy. We wish Dario all the best.

For those at the Belmont Depot, you're in luck because we'll be stopping by on Friday 23rd April from 10am-1pm for our next Depot BBQ! There's nothing like chatting with your mates over some great food, so we're excited to be seeing you there next week. Thank you to Wagecover for supplying all the goods for the day.

There has been recent news of a potential easing of social distancing restrictions on the NSW transport network, with the NSW Government anticipating a surge in passenger numbers beyond current COVID limitations. Transport Minister Andrew Constance said social distancing would not be completely scrapped on the network, but he foreshadowed impending changes to restrictions. Currently, buses and trams are operating at 45-55 per cent capacity, but a spike in commuters over the long weekend has caused the government to reconsider existing restrictions.

As a pre-emptive on an increase in commuters and shifts in services, Transport for NSW has paid Q-QTRL just over $150,000 proof of concept partnership to trial the use of a quantum computer to analyse and problem-solve the network's traffic, crowding, and scheduling issues. This plan is being undertaken as part of the state’s Future Transport Technology Roadmap. Mr. Constance says that TfNSW must first see results of initial data collection to determine whether investing in this type of advanced technology will greatly benefit the network.

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).

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. 

Thank You Dario Golini

Randwick Tram Depot Workplace Delegate, Dario Golini, will be stepping down from his role.

We would like to thank Dario for his valuable contributions during his time as Workplace Delegate, especially for his efforts throughout the Enterprise Agreement negotiations with Transdev. 

Eddie Carr has agreed to take up the role of Caretaker Workplace Delegate whilst we organise for an election to be held to fill the vacancy.

We wish Dario nothing but the best in his future endeavours.

Belmont Depot BBQ

We'll be heading up to Belmont Depot for the next leg of our Depot BBQ tour!

Date: 23rd April 2021
Time: 10am - 1pm

A huge thank you, once again, to Wagecover for supplying all the lovely food on the day.

We look forward to seeing all our friends at Belmont.

Public transport restrictions to be eased

Sydney’s public transport social distancing restrictions will likely be eased in the coming weeks as the government anticipates patronage to surge past the existing coronavirus limitations.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said social distancing would not be completely scrapped on the network, but he foreshadowed impending changes to restrictions.

“We are continuing to see growth return. In due course, obviously, we’re going to see greater capacity on the network,” Mr Constance said.

“With the easing of restrictions across the community, naturally more people are going to be riding the network. We’re catering for that.”

One approach may be staggered working hours for businesses with large staff units. Transport for NSW is already in discussion with CommBank and Westpac to trial a staggered working day.

Read the full article on The Sydney Morning Herald.

Microscopic particle could improve Sydney commute

An atom suspended by magnetic forces inside a Sydney University lab could revolutionise the city’s transport network, the NSW government hopes. The microscopic particle is “trapped” inside the most powerful computer in the southern hemisphere, a multimillion-dollar quantum machine paid for in part by the United States Department of Defence.

"The process could potentially untangle, in minutes, complex traffic, crowding or scheduling problems on Sydney’s transport network that would currently take days," said Q-CTRL founder, chief executive and Sydney University Professor Michael Biercuk.

The NSW government has signed a commercial partnership with Q-CTRL, which will feed live Transport for NSW data into its quantum machines and develop processes over coming months which would allow the network “self-heal” in real time.

The government is paying Q-QTRL just over $150,000 proof of concept partnership, which has been undertaken as part of the state’s Future Transport Technology Roadmap.

“We don’t know how powerful it truly is until we start to see the data put in and ultimately what comes back in terms of real-time responses,” Transport Minister Andrew Constance 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