State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is calling on the State Government to fix the mess created by Keolis Downer on the Newcastle Public Transport Network.
It was revealed yesterday that more than 170 trips were cancelled in the first 6 weeks since Keolis Downer took over the Newcastle Public Transport Network contract.
Rostering issues, not sick drivers, seems to be the biggest cause of cancelled trips, with drivers not knowing when they are next working until they finish their current shift.
Staff pays continue to be an issue and morale is at an all-time low, with staff wearing the frustration of public transport users.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“The Government needs to step in and ensure this mess is fixed up. More than 170 cancelled trips in the first 6 weeks shows that Keolis Downer is out of its depth.”
“They had more than 7 months to plan the takeover of the contract for the Newcastle Public Transport Network, yet here we are less than 2 months into the contract and things have never been worse.”
“Drivers are doing their best but the management of the Network is failing the workers and the general public.”
“The trips heading to the far reaches of the Wallsend electorate are the first to be cancelled despite being some of the busiest services in Newcastle.
“Management have told staff that they cannot cut inner-city services because it would be a bad look for the company.”
“As a result of all the cancelled or late services, staff are wearing the frustrations of commuters.”
“The Government needs to restore a functioning public transport network for people in the Wallsend electorate.”