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Is the real aim of this review to privatise Newcastle Buses & why have it a quiet time of year?
1. IS THE REAL AIM TO PRIVATISE NEWCASTLE BUSES Since their will be less bus routes, therefore making it even harder for passengers, (as was the case in 2002) is the real aim of this review, to reduce passenger numbers and then privatise Newcastle Buses? And remember the state government/s in the past have tried to privatise Newcastle Buses before. For example now in 2007/2008 just look how Iemma & Costa are reacting over the power industry - even though they said they were NOT going to privatise the power industry, nor are they listening to their “bosses” being you & I. . Then read more
Comment 1 5 Jan 2008, 10:12 PM
To me the most important thing is to have a quality efficient bus service that takes people where they want to go when they want to travel in a timely manner and at a reasonable price.
I do not care how owns or operates the service as long as I and the rest of our Newcastle community can travel effectively.
Comment 1.1 6 Jan 2008, 1:14 AM
I'm not saying it will lead to this, but if the state government privatises Newcastle Buses, it could mean a more drastic reduction of services. It MIGHT lead to say even half the number of the proposed bus review routes.
Comment 2 6 Jan 2008, 10:20 AM
NFlyer - this is way off the mark. Firstly, to privatise something you want it to be more profitable not less. Seondly, as has been reflected in many comments on this site, the review definately enhances the overall network - most of the comments here are locally specific and nobody is saying that the review isnt positive. Thirdly, why would the MP have taken out this forum if there was evil intent and why would they have extended the deadline? I think that this is a genuine review trying to do a difficult job wiht lmited resources in a better way.
Comment 2.1 6 Jan 2008, 11:32 AM
I'm not denying their are SOME (repeat some) improvements, but how can you or anyone say that this or any review that involves cuts to services "enhance" the overall network? Don't forget this review involves some route cuts.
To improve public transport you would INCREASE bus routes &, not decrease bus routes.
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LOOK AT THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S RECORD SO FAR
Blakey before last year's state election & when Jodi was "running" (term used loosely) for the seat, Jodi McKay gave a contract to the public & stated that they WILL NOT send 10 buses to Sydney after the time changes of January last more…
Comment 3 6 Jan 2008, 2:09 PM
I have to agree with blakey...this is way off the mark.
First, Newcastle Buses is in a 7 year contract with the MOT to provide services, so there is no chance of privatisation for a while yet (and I really doubt that would ever happen).
The Review is happening now so we can have change sooner rather than later. They've allocated about 12 months from the time the first major discussions were held about the review (from what I've heard, it was mid 2007) to the time the changes are to be implemented - July 2008. So it's a year-long process, and more…
Comment 3.1 10 Jan 2008, 5:55 PM
Can you support your claim that kms will not drop? This network adjustment is for route services only and the kms quoted are for school, route and charter services (and dead running.
This is not a review. It is simply a route service adjustment.
Wont MoT have to approve the changes as Newcastle Buses are only a contractor for MoT?
Comment 3.1.1 10 Jan 2008, 8:10 PM
QUOTE: Can you support your claim that kms will not drop? END QUOTE
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Part of the idea of the review is to straighten out routes where possible, which is suppose to mean more direct & shorter routes. The review will cut about 5 bus routes off, but how can the kilometres remain the same if you introduce shorter routes, and cut routes at the same time?
Comment 3.1.1.1 10 Jan 2008, 8:15 PM
The overall, 7-day frequency / running on many services will be increased as I said above, meaning a balancing out of kilometres. It has been stated time and time again by STA management.