THE TWU HITS THE STREETS FOR BETTER BUS SERVICES IN QLD

The Transport Workers' Union has been handing out postcards to the public at a Bus Interchange on the Gold Coast calling for support for their Better Bus Services campaign.

The TWU through a postcard is calling on the QLD Government to provide more bus services in South East Queensland to cater for QLD's growth and rising petrol prices, better security on buses following recent assaults, better facilities, pay and conditions for bus drivers and better trained bus drivers.

TWU Branch Secretary Hughie Williams said, "It's of great concern when we have overloaded buses especially school buses on our roads."

Public and Active Transport Chairwoman Jane Prentice told the Courier Mail, "The worst routes for overcrowding were BUZ (Bus Upgrade Zone) routes 150 - City - Browns Plains, and 130 - Parkinson - City which had almost 200 and 166 full bus loads respectively.

Bus Driver Roseanne Johnson was assaulted in May and is still trying to deal with her ordeal.

"I was punched in the face by a passenger and I suffered extensive bruising to my left eye."

"I have reoccuring nightmares of the incident and I suffer anxiety in crowded areas."

Surfers Paradise District Inspector David Isherwood said, "We need adequate security on our buses such as CCTV Cameras and duress buttons so we can help protect bus drivers and the greater public."

State Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said, "I find it alarming that bus drivers in my electorate are being assaulted and living close to the poverty line."

Thousands of the TWU Postcards calling for Better Bus Services will be handed out on buses right around Queensland from 11th July - 11th August 2008.

To find out more or to be apart of our campaign call the TWU Office on (07) 3890 3066 or TWU Bus Coordinator Bob Giddens on 0407 949 182. Together we can improve the Bus Industry.