Local government will be represented on a new taskforce set up by the NSW government to improve bus services in the state.
Former NSW Transit Authority CEO John Lee will chair the taskforce, which will look at a range of issues including existing contracts, regional services and the shift to clean energy.
The government says the current performance of some operators is sub optimal and has foreshadowed “room for improvement in a number of areas.”
“The old model doesn’t work and its time to make our bus services better,” parliamentary transport secretary Marjorie O’Neill said as she announced the taskforce on Monday.
The initial focus of the Taskforce will include performance issues, including on-time running, service cancellations and complaints management.
It will also make recommendations to the minister on options to improve contracts, how services are planned and communities are consulted on changes, technology and infrastructure, clean energy, employment arrangements and legislative or regulatory change.
Mr Lee has been given 12 months to lead the investigation and will be supported by panelists from unions and the industry, as well as LGNSW president Darriea Turley.
The taskforce will deliver preliminary findings on July 10 and an interim report on October 10, with a final report due by May 2024.
Mr Lee says he is looking forward to working with the bus industry, the workforce and the community.
“Our bus network is wide ranging, complicated and is relied upon by some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our work to make bus services better will make a real difference to people’s lives,” he said.
It comes after the state government last month announced an independent review of Sydney’s suburban passenger rail network by National Transport Commission Chair Carolyn Walsh, with an interim report due in late October.
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