NSW Bus Industry Taskforce announced

Transport for NSW is responsible for regulating bus services across the state, working with bus operators to provide consistent fares, concessions, timetables, and service standards for passengers. It also utilises passenger information data and systems to analyse the quality of services. 

Bus services connect people to jobs, education, family and essential services and play a crucial role in supporting the broader transport network.

A Bus Industry Taskforce will bring together bus operators, industry experts, the workforce, and community representatives to determine how to deliver more efficient and reliable services.

The initial focus of the Taskforce will include performance issues experienced by passengers such as on time running, service cancellations and complaints management. It will make recommendations to the Minister on options to improve contracts, how services are planned and communities are consulted on changes to routes, supporting technology and infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, employment arrangements and any necessary legislative or regulatory changes. 

In formulating its advice to the Minister, the Taskforce will also consider the Report into the Privatisation of Bus Services.

Members of the Taskforce are:

Taskforce Chair: 
John Lee, Former CEO of State Transit Authority & multiple private bus companies

Panel Members: 

• Matt Threlkeld (Executive Director of BusNSW)
• Joanna Quilty (CEO of NSW Council of Social Service)  
• Darriea Turley (Local Government NSW)     
• David Babineau (Rail Tram and Bus Union)
• Mick Pieri (Transport Workers Union)

The taskforce will engage with key stakeholders, seeking their views and input. These stakeholders include:

• Bus Operators  
• Transport for NSW, and associated entities 
• Rail Tram and Bus Union, Transport Workers Union and Unions NSW 
• BusNSW
• Bus Industry Confederation
• Bus industry suppliers 
• The Office of Transport Safety Investigations 
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
• Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Treasury 
• Local Government 
• Education authorities
• NSW Council of Social Service

The Taskforce will also engage directly with community through meetings, submissions and the establishment of a Passenger Reference Group. 

An interim report is expected within ten weeks with a final report to be tabled in May 2024 for consideration by Cabinet.

For more information, please email: Bustaskforce@transport.nsw.gov.au