Members of S.O.B.S met with the Minister of Transport Thursday 28th Jan. Mr. Campbell who listened intently and was very sympathetic to our concerns. He was very open to us and admitted that the services would not be fully restored to original state but that there were obvious problems (what an understatement!!) and that we would get a response within 2 weeks.
Petitions with over 3,000 signatures, letters from commuters, small business, A DVD of people interviewed and documents from Black town Council Transport Forums minutes were submitted along with other relevant paperwork.
Minister was invited for a ‘tour’ to see first hand what affects the changes have had on our community. The invite was accepted although a staff member would attend.
Following the meeting we contacted Busways about meeting with S.O.B.S to discuss the new timetables and was directed how to do so. Both bus company staffer and Opposition Transport Ministers office (who rang about meeting outcome) both confirmed that even though bus companies and other relevant people had input to the changes that ultimately it was the NSW Government who had the final say and could easily reverse the changes. Also the NSW Government subsidises the companies so that any increases to services, staff or vehicles would benefit the companies as they would get paid more. There seems to be some conflict of information as the NSW Government say something quite different. Anyway let’s see what happens.
Alls I suggest that in the meantime we keep the pressure up and stick with our original plan by writing letters to papers, ringing radio, going to mainstream TV and a rally outside Parliament House if need be.
There hopefully will be articles in the 2 local papers this coming week.
Save Our Bus Services blog is http://sobsmtdruittasa.blogspot.com/ and email address is sobs_mtdruittasa@hotmail.com
Contact numbers Debbie 0409 669 876 9835 1882
We are looking at a meeting in Dawson Mall Sat. 6th Feb 1030am subject to Council approval.
Big cheer for those who attended! Meetings such as these can be very daunting but we all handled it with ease although we all gave a big sigh of relief as we made our way home!!!
Also big cheer to everyone and as the saying goes
“United we stand and divided we fall!” Well we are far from being divided. Let’s take this to them and make it a big win for our community!!
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