Bus operators fuming over state government’s ‘broken promise’

WORD ON THE STREET

Bus operators are set to cause chaos in the CBD.

Operators will stage a protest on Spring Street on May 1 due to contract negotiations with the government.

3AW Drive caller Rob told Nick McCallum they’re being forced to sell assets at government price at end of the current contract.

Rob said one operator has agreed to the contract, but the rest are planning to fight back.

Chris Lowe from Bus Association Victoria told Nick a lot of operators are long-standing family businesses.

“It is extremely unfair,” Dr Lowe said.

“Particularly when the Labor, when they were in opposition, promised the bus industry they would not seek to do this.

“They’ve broken their promise and operators are furious.”

But Dr Lowe said he hasn’t heard about any planned protests.

Click PLAY to hear from Chris Lowe

But the government denies negotiations have broken down.

3AW Drive has spoken to the Minister of Transport’s office about this issue.

They say they’ll continue to negotiate better and more reliable contracts.

 

Click PLAY to hear Rob’s Word On The Street call

Photo: Dean Lewins / AAP