newy.com.au – Labor MPs Sonia Hornery and Tim Crakanthorp have criticised the NSW Government’s decision to extend Keolis Newcastle Transport’s operating contract until mid 2028, renewing their calls for services to return to public operation.
Transport for NSW announced the extension on Friday, saying it would maintain bus services while the agency developed future operating arrangements. The new expiry date would also align Newcastle’s agreement with other passenger service contracts across NSW.
The Newcastle Integrated Services Contract covers buses, ferries and light rail.
Transport for NSW coordinator general Howard Collins said the extension would allow more time to develop the next service model.
“This extension gives us additional time to develop service contracts that are better suited to the needs of the community while responding to recommendations from the Bus Industry Taskforce and feedback from the industry,” Mr Collins said.
Wallsend MP Ms Hornery questioned why the government needed more time, saying the contract’s original expiry date had long been known.
“We have known for 10 years that the Newcastle Buses contract will end in July 2027. There has been ample time to prepare for an end to this contract.”
Ms Hornery said she had spent the past three years seeking an end to the agreement and the return of state operated bus services for Wallsend, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
She said she would continue pressing the Transport Minister and Premier to end private operation.
Newcastle MP Mr Crakanthorp also criticised the decision.
“I’m disappointed in this decision but I will continue to fight for Newcastle Transport to be brought back into public hands,” he said in a statement.
Newcastle’s bus operations were privatised under the former Liberal government in 2017. Under the franchising model, the NSW Government retains ownership of its buses and depots and continues to set fares and regulate routes, timetables and service standards.
Transport for NSW said it would continue consulting industry and the community as it developed the future service model.
