Leppington is growing rapidly and needs bus services and routes to keep up with that growth, says Nathan Hagarty.
The Labor MP, the first person to represent the newly created seat of Leppington, has welcomed the establishment of the Bus Industry Taskforce.
Mr Hagarty, pictured above, says the taskforce, announced by NSW transport minister Jo Haylen, is a win for the people of his electorate.
“We need bus services and routes to keep up with our growing area,’’ he said.
“This is a healthy first step into delivering those better bus services in Leppington.
“Earlier this year I spoke with bus operators, drivers and passengers first hand.
“I’m pleased to see the Minns Labor Government now getting on with the job in cleaning up the mess the former government left,” Mr Hagarty said.
“The Taskforce will increase accountability, improve existing bus routes, and most importantly, local passengers and drivers will have their voices heard.
“The former Liberal Government’s failed bus privatisation agenda removed crucial decisions from local bus operators and handed it to companies that don’t understand the needs of our community.
“This resulted in no community consultation, poorer performance management and poorer service planning,’’ Mr Hagarty said.
“Passengers want better and more accessible bus services, not increased service cancellations or more routes being cut,” he said.
The Taskforce, which will play a central role in delivering improvements to bus services across the state, will consult with key stakeholders, including directly with the community.
It will provide a series of updates and reports over the next 12 months.
More information on the Bus Industry Taskforce including the terms of reference can be found on www.transport.nsw.gov.au
