State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has asked the new operator of the Newcastle public transport network to explain why some bus services across the Wallsend electorate have not been operating.
A number of upset residents contacted the office regarding the 222 and 225 services which failed to show up and left them stranded. Many were late for work and some students missed university classes.
The NSW Government promised that the transfer of the bus and ferry network from public hands to private would mean greater efficiency, but the failure to properly run a number of services is causing issues for local residents.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“The Government swore black and blue that the transfer of the bus and ferry network to a private provider would lead to greater efficiencies.”
“Is leaving dozens of residents stranded, unable to get to work or university, what they were talking about?”
“Last week it was workers’ pay that they couldn’t get right, this week its running buses on vital routes.”
“Most people who use public transport have no other option to get to work or uni and when the bus doesn’t arrive, they either miss out on work or are forced to take an expensive taxi ride.”
“Keolis Downer needs to explain to those people who missed being paid for a day or missed a vital university class why they failed to provide the service they are paid to provide.”
“We all expected teething problems with the new operator but we are now 7 weeks into their control of the network and things seem to be going from bad to worse.”
“It is not good enough and I will be seeking answers.”