by Maryanne Stuart Training & Education Officer
The NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union has over 15,000 members who work in the Public Transport Industry in regional and rural NSW. As you would know public transport was a big issue at the last State Election. One of our many functions as a stakeholder in NSW Transport has been to submit our ideas and solutions to consumer organisations and governments on how the network could be improved. There is no one better to ask about proposed solutions across the network, then those that work on it, and across it each day.
Over the past 18 months, the RTBU has visited Dubbo, Tamworth, Byron Bay, Wollongong and Sydney to speak to local communities, business leaders and transport commuters about their local transport issues. The issues raised have included, dangerous and inflammable goods being placed on rail (instead of road), the re-opening of ‘mothballed’ rail lines, additional services required in rural NSW and the need for accessible public transport for the elderly and disabled passengers.As a result of these community forums, we have made submissions to local and state politicians calling on them to reopen lines and invest in better transport services for the public of NSW. In addition, we have requested additional station staff on railway stations, transit officers on rail and bus protection officers, to ensure the travelling public feel safe to travel.
It is important for us that we continue to listen to the community about your concerns when travelling on public transport so, we can work together to ensure a better, safer and more accessible public transport system for all. We are therefore, asking for an opportunity for a Rail, Tram & Bus Union Representative to meet with your local CPSA Branch to hear your views on Public Transport.
For more information, please contact Maryanne Stuart from the RTBU on 02 9264 2511.