The New South Wales government has reversed a decision to cut funding for concession fares on long-distance coach services along the South Coast of New South Wales.
After public and political outrage, the bus company involved, Premier Motor Service, confirmed it reached a new agreement with the NSW government over the weekend.
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“The reversal of this decision follows significant public concern and advocacy from various stakeholders,” the announcement read.
Premier Motor Service managing director John King says the reversal decision will benefit concession holders greatly.
“As an operator committed to connecting South Coast communities, this funding ensures that we can continue to provide vital services to those who need them most,” King says.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward used a Question Time last week to expose the massive cuts by Transport for NSW to regional bus routes on the south coast which would have seen pensioners and concession card holders hit with fare hikes.
Directing his question to the Premier, Ward asked the Premier to reverse the cuts.
“I have uncovered documents which confirm the cuts which have also been confirmed by the regional bus operator, Premier Transport Group. No consultation was undertaken with the operator or the public prior to the cuts,” Ward says.
Ward revealed the increased return fares from Bomaderry to Edan would have risen from $5 to $130, a 2,500 percent increase.
These cuts would mean that a return concession fare from Bomaderry to Bateman’s Bay will rise from $5 to $64.
Premier Motor Service was contracted to provide deregulated long-distance bus services from Bomaderry to Batemans Bay, Bega, and Eden on the south coast and Tweed Heads to Ballina and Lismore in the north.
In mid-2021 the provider signed a three-year extension on the concession arrangement with the former government, yet when the company filed an invoice for June, it received a notice stating that funding had concluded on May 31.
“No further funding will be paid in relation to the Eden-Bomaderry and Lismore-Tweed Heads service,” the notice said.
At the time, Premier Motor Service said it was shocked and disappointed at the decision.
“I want to be very clear; I don’t blame the Minister for this decision, but I do blame her bureaucrats and I’m pleading with the Premier and the Minister to reverse this appalling decision,” Ward says.
In response to the criticism, South Coast MP Liza Butler said she was “immensely concerned” by the situation.
“We are facing a cost of living crisis”, she says in a statement.
King highlighted the effort of ministers and the public in getting the fare increases reversed.
“Premier Motor Service acknowledges the efforts of all those who advocated for the reinstatement of the finding, including the local community and members of parliament,” King says.
“This collaborative effort underscores the significance of supporting regional public transport and the residents who depend on it.”
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