WARD EXPOSES MASSIVE CUTS TO REGIONAL TRANSPORT

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used Question Time to expose massive cuts by Transport for NSW to regional bus routes on the south coast which will see pensioners and concession card holders hit with horrendous fare hikes.

Directing his question to the Premier, Mr Ward has 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,” Mr Ward said.

“This cut will mean that pensioners and concession card holders will see a return-fare from Bomaderry to Edan rise from just $5 to a whopping $130.

“Closer to home, these cuts will mean that a return concession fare from Bomaderry to Bateman’s Bay will rise from $5 to $64.

“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.

“Whilst the electorate of the Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast enjoys a free shuttle bus, this government is smashing south coast residents by cutting transport subsidies to our only form of interconnected public transport along the south-east.

“This service is used by pensioners, workers, students and tourists and these cuts will make this service unaffordable and my result in it disappearing altogether.

“I’m pleading with the NSW Labor Government, please reverse your cuts,” Mr Ward concluded.

ENDS