Free bus rides for the lower North Shore, as bus driver pay dispute continues

Lower North Shore commuters will enjoy free bus trips over the next two weeks, as union bus drivers shut off their Opal card readers as a protest against private bus operator Keolis Downer.

The downside for commuters is that this will impact real-time bus timetables via maps apps or the TripView app. 

The Lorikeet understands Opal card readers are related to the GPS system which tracks buses in real time.

How long: According to the union, the Opal card readers will remain turned off until Thursday July 2. Some buses, driven by non-union drivers, may continue to turn their readers on. 

What is affected: Only lower North Shore bus routes will be affected, such as the 144, B1 and 100. Other affected routes include the 114, 160X, 230 and 225.

What’s the issue? The current industrial action follows months of failed negotiations between the union and Keolis Downer regarding pay and working conditions for bus drivers in the region. 

Previous action took place earlier this month, when bus drivers refused to wear uniforms. 

The union has also raised concerns about driver-shortages impacting Keolis Downer routes, an issue where they feel the input of drivers has been overlooked.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, NSW Tram and Bus Division President Peter Grech claimed the company “cannot solve its staffing crisis while refusing to properly engage with the workers who keep the network running".

Keolis Downer was contacted for comment.