Public transport users have been urged to work from home as Torrens Transit bus drivers plan to strike due to claims of unfair treatment from their employer.
As Torrens Transit controls over 80 per cent of the bus contracts in SA, Adelaide metro bus routes will be significantly disrupted for 24 hours.
Adelaide Metro is encouraging commuters to use other modes of transport or stay at home on today with bus services set to be “significantly impacted” by industrial action taken by around 800 Torrens Transit drivers.
The bus company says the strike will affect bus services in East-West, Outer North East (O-Bahn), North-South and Outer North.
Transport Workers Union SA/NT Branch Secretary Ian Smith has advised the media that taking strike action was “a last resort”, but has been necessitated as bus drivers continue to leave the industry in “droves”.
Mr Smith continued to say that the action is not only advocating for “a fair deal and a better bus industry”, but also for “building a better bus network” for SA.
Mr Smith concluded his statements by thanking the community for its understanding and apologising for the inconvenience that may be caused today as the drivers “lead this crucial fight”.
Department of Transport CEO Jon Whelan has also advised the media that the department is in discussions with both the workers and Torrens Transit to see if the dispute can be resolved quickly. A meeting between both parties is scheduled for Tuesday 10 January.
For now, Mr Whelan says substitute buses on select routes and additional train and tram services will be organised, but commuters should “consider alternative transport options”.
Strike action will impact bus services across Adelaide’s eastern and western suburbs, as well as the outer north-east (O-Bahn) and outer north.
For regular updates on which commuters will be affected, visit the Transport Department website.
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