Local ministers are welcoming the new Central Coast contracts while also calling for a change in method
As announced earlier this week, new bus network contracts have been announced in NSW’s Central Coast, with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) applauding the changes made in the region.
Current operator Busways was once again awarded the region six contract that encompasses Gosford, Wyong and Tuggerah, reaching north to Ravensdale, west to Kulnura, south to Patonga and east to Ourimbah.
Alongside this, Central Coast owned and run operator Red Bus Services combined with CDC NSW to collectively win and run the region seven contract covering The Entrance, Wyong and Gosford.
“I’m sure my community will be pleased that long-time local operator Red Bus will continue as our local bus operator,” Member for The Entrance David Mehan says.
“It’s great to see a local company given the opportunity to serve their community and support local jobs.”
Member for Gosford Liesel Tesch says it’s a positive move in the right direction despite there being challenges in the roll-out of contracts.
“In the future we need to ensure that communities, bus operators and workers have a say in how we can deliver better buses for the Central Coast,” Tesch says.
“Local bus services should serve the local community and I’m looking forward to working with these new operators, Central Coast locals and the newly established Bus Taskforce to ensure the best possible deal for our community.”
These contracts supplement the Bus Industry Taskforce announced by NSW transport minister on May 1 to understand how bus services across NSW can be improved.
The Taskforce will look at better contract and performance management, better service planning, as well as the routes that passengers and communities want, and how to develop a better industry that is able to attract more drivers.