PTU urged to talk to MetroBus management about drivers' options

6/3/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has urged the executive of the Public Transport Union to sit down with the management of MetroBus and discuss the options and opportunities for drivers' employment and conditions in the future.

"We can have a win-win situation if the PTU and MetroBus co-operate to make changes to the employment structure and we do it differently," Mr Charlton said.

"We have got to move away from the regimented operating system of the past and implement flexibilities and innovation which will result in an improved service for the customer.

"More customers on our public transport system will mean more bus services are required and this in turn means more work for drivers."

Mr Charlton said the changes being implemented were not designed to hurt drivers, but to provide an even better service for the public transport customer which, after all, was the sole purpose for the existence of the public transport system.

"If we make the changes necessary, then the result for the drivers should be an increase in take-home pay," he said.

The Minister said it was also important to understand that the Government was not privatising the public transport system.

"The Government will still control essential issues like fares, concessions, bus standards, routes and timetables," he said.

"The tender process which the Government has put in place has allowed MetroBus to maximise its opportunities to get into competitive shape to bid for the five tenders, expected to be finalised in the near future."

Mr Charlton said it was extremely disappointing that the Public Transport Union should decide to take industrial action when the latest tenders had not been awarded and MetroBus was clearly one of the determined bidders.

"The PTU should be doing all it can to encourage patrons to use its services, rather than damaging valuable customer relations," he said.

The Minister said the changes already made had allowed Transperth to provide 12 new bus services and at the same time reduce the operating budget of MetroBus by $24 million.

He said the prospects for a new range of bus services were extremely exciting, with more cross-suburban services, extended use of public transport for major events like the Perth Royal Show and AFL matches, the provision of more off-peak services and greater accessibility for disabled passengers.

"Our commitment to Perth's public transport system is further evidenced by the Government's recent decision to add 133 new low floor buses to the Transperth fleet," he said.

"Commuters are reminded that urban trains will be running to normal timetables and Perth City Council has agreed to open Langley Park in the city for all day car parking.

"Car-pooling is also a sensible option to help reduce the number of vehicles on the roads."

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333