The new announcement for NSW bus drivers has been welcomed by BusNSW
The NSW government has announced that all bus drivers in the state will be able to travel on public transport for free as part of a major government overhaul to boost the bus driver workforce.
The move will see workers provided with free Opal cards to support the industry and improve services by incentivising more drivers to get behind the wheel.
This introduction was a key recommendation made in the Bus Industry Taskforce Interim Report that called for action to support driver recruitment and retention.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will now consult with operators, employees and unions to roll out the cards so that drivers and other workers can travel for free across Opal-enabled public transport networks and access all staff facilities on the Opal network throughout the shift.
This means bus drivers will have PT travel benefits in line with Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink employees.
BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld says this was benefit members in the state.
“The provision of an Employee Opal card has been part of BusNSW’s Driver Recruitment Action Plan for some time, which was based on advice from members,” Threlkeld says.
“We are hopeful that this employee benefit will assist with the promotion of bus industry career opportunities.”
This move follows the NSW government last month kicking off a new recruitment campaign to fix the shortage.
NSW transport minister Jo Haylen says this shows the government is doing everything it can to attract new bus drivers and to support the current workforce.
“This is a no-brainer. We are taking action to address a key recommendation out of the Bus Industry Taskforce’s interim Report and support our hard-working frontline staff,” Haylen says.
“Drivers and operational staff like our mechanics have told us this is what they want and we’re going to deliver on it.
“Staff will be able to use these cards to travel across the Opal-enabled public transport network, including to and from work, and to access other facilities like train station bathrooms while they’re out on the road.”
Haylen says the government wants drivers to be able to comfortably take breaks between shifts before getting back on the road and fulfilling their vital roles connecting the community.
“The Bus Industry Taskforce will consult with employees, unions and operators over the coming months to help ensure a smooth rollout of the cards,” Haylen says.
“The rollout of these cards will mean every bus and train driver will be able to travel freely on the public transport network they proudly operate every day.”