Push to save buses in Waverley ramps up

23 March 2022

Waverley Council is inviting the community to provide feedback about the quality of privatised bus services in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

It is collecting this feedback as part of its campaign to protect vital bus services in our region.

The Council opposes the state government’s privatisation of the last remaining State Transit-operated bus regions in NSW, including region 9 (eastern suburbs). The privatised bus service in region 9 is due to commence early April.

The Council has commenced collecting feedback from residents via a dedicated email address buscomplaints@waverley.nsw.gov.au, and soon, over the phone through Council’s Customer’s Service on 9083 8000.

We also have a dedicated Save Our Buses webpage where people can learn more about ways they can help and what actions Council is taking.

As part of this campaign, the following Mayoral Minute was tabled at the March Council meeting, and unanimously adopted by Council:

That Council: 

1. Notes:

(a) The very high usage of public transport, especially buses, by Waverley commuters.

(b) That the People, Movement and Places policy supports the role of public transport in making Waverley safer and more walkable for pedestrians, while working to reduce traffic congestion.

(c) That in October 2020, the State Government announced the privatisation of the last publicoperated bus regions, including region 9 (Eastern Suburbs). Waverley’s privatised service, to be operated by Transdev John Holland, commences in April this year.

(d) That in 2021, the State Government cut or modified 49 bus routes, as well as moving or removing over 50 bus stops. Minutes of Council Meeting 15 March 2022 This is page 9 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 15 March 2022.

(e) The NSW Upper house Inquiry into the Privatisation of Bus services, with submissions due by 31 March 2022 (f) That the Mayor of Waverley has written to the then Minister Constance on at least two occasions strongly objecting to the bus cuts.

2. Establishes a range of channels by which to receive any complaints about potential drops in the service quality and delivery of timely bus services, and the impact of the reduction of bus stops in time for the commencement of privatised services. These channels include:

(a) A dedicated webpage on Council’s website.

(b) A dedicated bus complaints email address.

(c) Council’s Customer Service Centre being geared up to receive complaints via telephone.

3. Promotes these complaints channels through its various networks.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos is also encouraging residents to make a written submission to the Upper House inquiry into the privatisation of bus services in NSW.

The inquiry will examine the modelling, rationale and process of privatising bus services, and assess the impact that privatisation has had on the community who use the services and the workers who provide them.

The closing date for submissions is 31 March 2022. To lodge a submission, visit https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries.

“Waverley Council opposes any further removal of bus services in the region including the emptying out of the Waverley bus Depot,” Mayor Masselos said.

“We do not agree with the state government that passengers will be better off through bus privatisation and you only need to look at regions such as in the Hunter where privatization has not worked.”

Other actions the Council is taking include: