November 2, 2017

University galled by Gong Shuttle backflip

Transport for NSW breaks Premier’s promise to Wollongong

University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, has expressed his disappointment at Transport for NSW’s announcement yesterday (Wednesday 1 November 2017) that Opal fares would be applied to the free Gong Shuttle from 29 January 2018.

“In 2013 the then Transport Minister—now Premier—Gladys Berejiklian, made a clear promise about the future of the Gong Shuttle that was quoted in the Illawarra Mercury: “Can I assure you that the Wollongong service will continue forever more," (Gong bus safe as brakes go on free shuttles, Illawarra Mercury, 22 June, 2013).

“This promise was made in response to positive patronage figures released by her office that proved the popularity of the service.

“The Illawarra Mercury went on to quote Ms Berejiklian as saying: “…we want to make sure people use services where they're provided and obviously, the Wollongong shuttle has good patronage".

“Ironically, Transport for NSW yesterday used high patronage to justify withdrawing the free service, betraying the Premier’s promise of just five years ago.

“This announcement is an assault on the integrity of the Premier. Transport for NSW has thrown the Premier under a bus,” Professor Wellings said.

“I call on the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, The Hon. Andrew Constance, and Premier Berejiklian, to reverse this action by the transport bureaucrats and stay true to the commitment made to the people of Wollongong in 2013,” Professor Wellings said.

Professor Wellings also expressed his disappointment at UOW not being consulted about the decision.

“The University has long recognised the impact large numbers of staff and students have on local traffic and transport services.

“We’ve worked in partnership with Transport for NSW over many years, investing heavily to provide free shuttle bus services to supplement NSW Government-funded transport services, as well as sharing bus terminal infrastructure costs.

“As a longstanding partner, I would have expected to be consulted by Transport for NSW. Instead, the bureaucrats kept the University in the dark about this decision,” Professor Wellings said.

Professor Wellings predicted a negative flow-on effect for public transport patronage and traffic congestion in the Wollongong CBD, along with rising costs for the University as a result of the Transport for NSW decision.

“To ensure the smooth running of UOW bus services, drivers haven’t been required to inspect student or staff identification cards. Members of the local community have been welcomed onto our buses.

“The demise of the free Gong Shuttle will drive more passengers onto our free shuttles, forcing the University to either invest even more heavily in these services, restrict access to them, or leave students worse off paying for transport services they used to enjoy for free or experiencing a less satisfactory service.

“It’s only a matter of time before lower bus patronage leads to fewer services, a less convenient timetable and more people reverting to private cars, causing greater congestion, pollution and parking problems,” Professor Wellings said.
Staff, students and community members can support this service by signing the Keep the Gong Shuttle Free petition.

Photo courtesy of the Illawarra Mercury.