Bus depot debacle impacting commuters and workers; leaving buses sitting idle

Transport for NSW’s failure to upgrade bus depots for electric buses is the latest example of a privatised bus system that isn’t working for commuters, workers or taxpayers, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union says.

Reports today reveal that 10 of the 14 Sydney bus depots earmarked for electric bus upgrades are behind schedule, delaying the rollout of more than 1,200 new buses and forcing dozens of new vehicles into storage.

RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes said the delays exposed the flaws in a fragmented and privatised bus network.

“These depot upgrades should have been straightforward. Instead, we’re seeing cost blowouts, delays and brand-new buses sitting idle while commuters continue waiting for service improvements,” Mr Warnes said.

“Bus depots are public assets, but the privatisation of bus operations has created barriers to accessing and upgrading those facilities efficiently.

“When you split responsibility between Transport for NSW, private operators and contractors, nobody is fully accountable when things go wrong.”

Mr Warnes said the delays were further evidence that the NSW Government had lost much of its in-house capability to manage and deliver major transport projects.

“This is exactly what happens when governments outsource essential public services and hollow out their own expertise,” Mr Warnes said.

“The people paying the price are commuters waiting for improved services, taxpayers footing the bill for delays, and the bus drivers and other transport workers trying to keep the system running.

“The problems caused by the privatisation of our buses are a legacy of the previous government, but if this government allows them to continue, they’ll soon become its legacy too.

“It’s time the NSW Government put an end to the privatised bus model which is having a serious impact on the delivery of the transport network commuters need and deserve.”