The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmania is calling on all election candidates to commit to ruling out public transport privatisation as new independent research validates the union’s key election priorities.
The union warns that any move to privatise Metro Tasmania would be a disaster for workers, passengers and the state’s future.
RTBU Tasmania Branch Secretary Byron Cubit said history shows privatisation leads to service cuts, higher fares and worse conditions for frontline workers.
“Public transport exists to serve the community, not to make a profit,” Mr Cubit said. “We’ve seen what happens when governments hand over services to private operators. Routes are cut, fares go up and our members are left with insecure jobs and unsafe conditions.”
The RTBU has launched an open letter and pledge campaign, calling on all candidates in the upcoming state election to commit to three clear priorities:
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Rule out privatisation of public transport, now and in the future
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Preserve existing rail corridors for future transport use
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Invest in a strong, publicly owned transport network
The push comes as new research from the McKell Institute warns that Metro Tasmania fails every test for privatisation.
The report, titled Driving Tasmania’s Future: The Case For Public Transport Investment Over Privatisation, finds Tasmania spends the least per capita on public transport in the country and if the system is sold off, it could worsen outcomes across the board.
The report shows:
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Tasmania spends just 1.1% of its budget on public transport, which is less than half of what other states invest
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Metro Tasmania services are already stretched thin with 180 routes cut last year due to shortages
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Privatisation risks job losses, fare hikes and service reductions
“Privatisation won’t fix our transport system and band-aid fixes aren’t the solution,” Mr Cubit said. “We need long-term strategic investment in a publicly owned system that puts people before profit.”
The RTBU has identified simple solutions that the next government can do to support long-term investment in Tasmania’s public transport system: from cleaning up our aging bus infrastructure, preserving our rail corridors for future use and exploring alternatives such as light rail.
“Our message to every candidate this election is simple: Commit to keeping transport public so Tassie keeps moving.
“These aren’t radical claims, they’re common sense policies backed by solid research.”
The RTBU’s pledge to candidates can be found here.
Contact details:
Lauren Ferri: 0422 581 506