$140 Million Boost for Buses but Not Enough Drivers Recruited

The New South Wales (NSW) government said a $139.5 million (US$92.3 million) boost to the state’s ailing bus network will bolster public transport in Sydney’s under-serviced western suburbs but concedes there are still not enough bus drivers to meet demand. The funding, to be allocated in June 18’s state budget, would modernise the state’s bus fleet and improve its reliability and accessibility, the government said on June 14. The work, due to start this year, would involve upgrades on 4000 Opal-enabled buses in Greater Sydney and on 1000 in outer metropolitan areas, it said. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the budget investment was needed given 40 percent of NSW public transport use was on Sydney’s under-funded bus network....