$1.3 billion in WA bus contracts awarded

Fremantle station and a bus operated by Transdev, which has had its WA bus contracts renewed. — Image courtesy of Transdev.

Contracts valued at about $1.3 billion have been awarded to public transport operator Transdev for the operation of Transperth bus services in Western Australia.

Coming into effect from 2 October 2022, the new contracts are for services in the Fremantle and Rockingham-Mandurah areas over the next 10 years.

Luke Agati, Transdev Australasia Chief Executive, said the 10-year renewal was recognition of the continued great work of the local Western Australian team.

“This is great news for us and I’m proud of our team’s partnership with Transperth, and service to the local community,” he said.

“Transdev brings global innovation and experience in zero emission bus operations with local know-how to all out Australian and New Zealand operations.”

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.

Bob Parton, Transdev Western Australia Managing Director, said he was proud of his local team of 800 who run more than 400 buses in the state.

“Our team do their best every day to serve the Fremantle and Rockingham-Mandurah communities,” he said. “As a major employer, I want to thank all our people and this news gives them, their families and their communities, long-term certainty.”

Rita Saffioti, Transport Minister, congratulated Transdev on the contracts, and said she looked forward to the company’s continued high-quality bus service.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

For more information, visit: www.transdev.com.au