New bus contracts to provide better job security for drivers

• Contracts to operate Claremont, Marmion and Joondalup Transperth bus services awarded to Transit Systems Pty Ltd
• $1.4 billion contracts will operate for 10 years
• New contracts mandate higher percentage of full-time drivers
• Also seeks proposals for demand-responsive bus services for Government to consider

Bus contracts valued at $1.4 billion have been awarded to Transit Systems Pty Ltd to operate Transperth services in the Claremont, Marmion and Joondalup contract areas.

Transit Systems, which operate as Swan Transit in Perth, won all three contracts with their competitive tender submission. From January 19, 2020 it will run services in these areas for the next decade.

Tenderers were required to provide their best price for service provision, and were asked to achieve a minimum full-time driver quota.

The Transit Systems bid delivers the highest quota (80 per cent), meaning drivers will have increased earning potential and job security.

Tenderers were also asked to provide demand-responsive bus service proposals for government to consider in the future. Investigations as to whether on-demand bus services are viable in Perth are continuing.

Transit Systems (Swan Transit) started locally in 1996 as a 40-bus operation in Midland, and has expanded to a global enterprise which operates more than 3000 buses and employs more than 6700 people.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This contract marks the beginning of a new era of job security and stability for Transperth bus drivers in the Claremont, Marmion and Joondalup areas.

"Following industry and union consultation, a new minimum full-time driver quota arrangement was developed for this tender round.

"This was an innovative way to address the concerns of drivers who felt they were locked in to working casual or part-time hours without the potential for full-time work and benefits.

"It's great news that a company that started in Midland is leading the way in providing excellent services here and abroad, while delivering greater protections for local bus drivers."

Minister's office - 6552 5500