Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: 5 February 2021
Dear members,
As we think of our friends in WA who are in lockdown this week, we emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant for the sake of public health and safety as NSW enjoys more days of zero locally acquired cases.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian eased restrictions last week. While mask-wearing is no longer compulsory in open public spaces (but encouraged in areas where it's difficult to properly socially distance), wearing a mask is still mandatory on public transport, with some exemptions as outlined in the recent Branch Bulletin. This is especially important as the government continues to pick up the speed on getting people back into the workplace.
The RTBU has also updated its Mask Q&A for those who need quick explainers on the current situation. Find all the answers here.
One of our more recent campaigns is picking up speed. The RTBU campaign calling for the government to protect COVID-vulnerable workers is the first new initiative of the year. 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.
It was great to catch up with Members at the Mona Vale depot today. The BBQ was well-timed for such a sunny day, and we wouldn't have it any other way. We're excited at the prospect of being able to hold more face-to-face events for our Members as COVID settles again in NSW. We're hungry for more, so you'll be seeing us out and about with our trusty BBQ tongs more in the future!
In the news, electric buses are picking up steam as South West Sydney gets its first e-bus on the road. This is quite a change, and over the period of now to 2031 - the target date that state government has set for a fully transitioned fleet - we must remind ourselves that taking care of our Members also involves taking care of the earth that you walk on.
Once again, we are appealing to members to please give generously to the donation account we have set up for 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.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
Mona Vale Depot BBQ
Today’s BBQ at the Mona Vale depot was a great way to begin resuming outdoor events as COVID settles again in NSW.
We’re planning to be out and about over the foreseeable future! So keep an eye out for updates on where you can catch us.
If you missed out and want to catch up with mates over some delicious food, don’t fret. The next BBQ will be:
Leichhardt Depot
Monday 15th February
11:00am to 1:00pm
We look forward to seeing Members face-to-face more throughout the year.
Mask Update and Q&A
We've recently updated the Mask Q&A to keep up to speed with state health direction. The NSW Government has fine tuned the direction for mandatory masks. After representations by unions including the RTBU, the government has introduced a degree of common sense to the Public Health Order.
Public Health Order Exemption: Mandatory Face Coverings
Members are advised of a recent exemption to the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport issued by NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard MP.
The order states a person is exempt from wearing a mask if they:
- Are at premises, at a public transport waiting area, or in a vehicle for the purposes [of] their employment or engagement; AND
- Are not interacting directly with members of the public.
This is limited to staff, contractors, volunteers, or workers at the premises.
This means that LRV operators do not have to wear a mask whilst inside the driver’s cabin, and that bus drivers running special do not have to wear a mask.
The RTBU will continue to support health advice for the safety of our members and the traveling public.
Full health orders and exemptions can be found on the NSW Government Health website.
If you have any questions, please contact your local delegate or organiser.
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.
RTBU Gift Cards - Activate before the deadline
In order to use your RTBU Gift Cards, please activate your card by March 31st. The card is valid until September 30th.
First electric bus launched in Leppington
The first electric bus to service South West Sydney has made its first few rounds in Leppington. Commuters have been quick to note its vibrant sky blue body, and especially the almost eerie silence as it travels the road.
This bus is the first of 10 that Interline has planned for the South West Sydney region throughout 2021. It can run for 7 hours on a full charge, and makes for quieter journeys for passengers and cleaner energy for the planet.
Local MPs Peter SIdgreaves (Camden) and Melanie Gibbons (Holsworthy) joined the NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Interline representatives for Monday's launch.
It marks another step forward as the state government seeks to transition to a completely electric fleet bu 2031.
Opal costs surge more than 10% since 2020 changes to peak hour and concession
Travel costs in Sydney have increased by more than 10% since the government has widened the peak-hour window and changed travel concession rules as a way to increase social distancing measures and discourage unnecessary travel during the peak of COVID-19 in June to September last year.
University of Technology transport expert Mathew Hounsell said: "[The government] do need to look at adjusting the peak time again, because the peak surcharge was designed to reduce crowding on public transport...If there’s no crowding, they need to look at shrinking that period so they encourage people back"
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
