TWU Sam McIntosh on public transport reforms

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Bit of a change of pace. Last week we reported
that the government's latest step in reforming Darwin's public bus
system well, it was confirmed that free travel would continue
until January while the procurement of a new ticketing system
was finalized. Now, the COLP says that it is going
to well, they say it's going to deliver a safe
for a more reliable transport network. But how did the

(00:22):
drivers feel about it? We'll joining us on the show
is the ENTI and South Australia Branch Secretary of the
Transport Workers Union, Sam Macintosh.

Speaker 2 (00:30):
Good morning, Sam, Kay Katie, thanks for having me.

Speaker 1 (00:33):
Thank you so much for your time. Now, Sam, we've
heard and discussed extensively on this show about the horrific
incidents of violence experienced by our drivers. Can you give
us an update on how drivers have been firing and
how the government's security measures have been going.

Speaker 2 (00:49):
Look, I think Katie, the decision to get driver protection
screens in buses was very important. That's made a difference.
It's meant that driver behind the wheel are not subject
to some of those attacks that you're referring to. Still
a way to go, of course, to make sure that
the network is safer less anti social behavior, less violence

(01:11):
and so on. It's a work in progress, but we're
absolutely committed to making sure that drivers are safe behind
the wheel. Every time they're behind the wheel.

Speaker 1 (01:19):
Well, they need to be right, like we've seen some
horrendous behavior over the years. Sam, do you support this
free travel on buses or would you like paid fares
to return as soon as possible.

Speaker 2 (01:32):
Well, look, Katie will take the government's offer up a consultation.
We'll absolutely engage with that because we know that when
there was a system of accepting fares on the buses,
we had some real issues, some real concerns around putting
drivers in harm's way when they were having to collect fares,

(01:52):
and it was very, very difficult. And so I think
as part of this consultation process we'll be coming forward
and saying, look, button center here should be the driver's safety,
ensuring they're not put in harm's way, and that extends
to things like ensuring that they're not the enforcement they're
not the enforcement person if you like. In terms of

(02:15):
accepting fares, the drivers need to be able to focus
on keeping passengers safe and the vehicle on the road.
And so there's some work to do here because it's
just critical that we don't put drivers in a position
where they're somehow in harm's way and having to having

(02:35):
to have those very difficult conversations. So there needs to
be public education around this. If the government is going
to make this decision to reintroduce a ticketing system, good
public education so that the community knows that there'll be
an expectation that they'll be paying and doesn't take it
out on the driver. And also very very clear processes,

(02:57):
procedures and training for drivers to make sure they're in
the best position to be able to deal with what
will be a change And.

Speaker 1 (03:04):
Is that really what you would like noted by not
only the government but also bus owners when they look
at any reforms.

Speaker 2 (03:12):
Well, I think everyone's got a stake in making sure
that drivers are safe but also the community safe and
that we've got a great network that's accessible to everyone
and is affordable because it's an essential service. I mean,
we've spoken about it lots, haven't we, Katie, That people
need to get to and from work, kids getting to
and from school. We want to have a great bus service.
We want lots of people on the bus, but drivers

(03:35):
have to be safe, and I think if we've got
that front and center throughout every consultation, every new initiative.
I think that puts us in in a good spot.

Speaker 1 (03:43):
Now, we've discussed on this show plenty of times about
the police public safety officers graduating and starting the job
last week. How's the union feeling about this?

Speaker 2 (03:54):
You know, this is the government's initiative, and I think
I think oldiately Katie, that surely a measure here is
is a driver group and the community going to be
safe as a result, And that's what we'll be monitoring closely.
We want to see we want to see this new
system monitored and reviewed. It needs to be obviously carefully,

(04:22):
carefully administered, and there has to be accountability within everything
that we do here. So you know, I think from
the from the perspective of the union, and you know,
coming back to ticketing as well, we've just got to
ensure that we don't put drivers in a position where
they are having to be put in that terrible situation

(04:43):
where they've got to de escalate situations and so on.
It's not a it's not part of the role. They
shouldn't have to put up with it. And and we
we need to make sure it's the union. We have
that very much front and center in our composition, which.

Speaker 1 (04:57):
I think is absolutely fair enough. You know, the last
thing you want is those attacks on bus drivers, so
I think that that is really fair enough. Sam McIntosh
NT and South Australian Branch secretary with the Transport Workers Union.
Really good to speak with you this morning. I appreciate
your time. Apologies that we're running a little bit late,
no problem, Thanks Katie, thank you, thanks so much.