New bus contracts to provide better job security for drivers

• Fremantle and Rockingham-Mandurah bus contracts awarded to Transdev
• $1.3 billion contracts will operate for 10 years
• New contracts ensure more permanent, full-time employment available to bus drivers
  

Bus service contracts valued at about $1.3 billion have been awarded to public transport operator Transdev, to operate Transperth services in the Fremantle and Rockingham-Mandurah areas for the next 10 years.

The new contracts come into effect on October 2.

Tenderers were required to provide their best price to deliver the service; meet new obligations to provide more permanent full-time employment for bus drivers; and meet fairer and more consultative industrial relations requirements.

Transdev also has national and international experience in electric bus operation, something the State Government is committed to delivering.

In Western Australia, Transdev operates more than 400 buses and employs about 800 local people.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"I'd like to congratulate Transdev on being awarded these contracts.

"These contracts mark the beginning of a new era of improved job security and permanency arrangements for Transperth bus drivers in the Fremantle and Rockingham-Mandurah areas.

"Following consultation between the State Government and the Transport Workers Union, new requirements for the provision of more permanent full-time employment opportunities and consultative management arrangements were developed for this tender round.

"This Government is committed to ensuring bus drivers are treated with the respect that they deserve and to prevent them from getting locked into taking additional casual and part-time work unless they want it.

"I look forward to Transdev's continuation of high-quality Transperth bus service delivery in WA."

Minister's office - 6552 5500