A new era in transport planning and customer service starts today with the formal establishment of the new integrated transport agency - Transport for NSW.

NSW Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay said the occasion was a turning point for transport delivery in NSW.

"Many months of hard work have gone into this process and now, for the first time, NSW has an integrated transport authority," Ms Berejiklian said.

"All planning and policy functions have been consolidated into the one authority, signalling the end of silos and the removal of duplication. The customer will be at the centre of everything we do."

Mr Gay said today was also day one for the new Roads and Maritime Services agency, replacing the RTA and NSW Maritime.

"Roads and Maritime Services will focus on service delivery, concentrating on delivering the key tasks of building and maintaining road infrastructure and the day-to-day compliance and safety for roads and waterways," Mr Gay said.

"Whether you use buses, trains or ferries, if you are a motorist or a long-distance truck driver, everyone in NSW is going to benefit from the establishment of Transport for NSW and the changes to how our agencies do business," he said.

"Plans will be more cohesive and integrated, the single transport budget will be better focused and projects will be aligned to the needs of our communities."

Transport for NSW comprises six divisions:

• The Customer Experience division will ensure transport planning, policy, investment and services are driven by customer needs. It will work closely with the other divisions to ensure the customers’ voices and needs are considered in all decision making and planning for transport. Deputy Director General Tony Braxton-Smith brings a wealth of service experience to the role, having worked as CEO of Great Southern Rail for the past seven years.
• The Planning and Programs division brings together planning for all modes of transport, and establishes close links between the planning and development of transport investment programs. Deputy Director General Carolyn McNally will lead the team. Ms McNally oversaw $36 billion in road and rail funding and managed major infrastructure policy in her role at the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
• The Policy and Regulations division will drive strategic policy and regulation for the transport portfolio and shape the NSW contribution to the national agenda. The division will be led by Deputy Director General Tim Reardon who has extensive Government and private sector experience in NSW, Queensland and overseas.
• The Transport Services division will plan and procure the best possible transport services for NSW. Transport Services will develop and manage performance contracts with the operating agencies to deliver a seamless transport system. It will also be responsible for ticketing services, including the electronic ticketing system. The division will be led by Deputy Director General Fergus Gammie, former Chief Operating Officer of Auckland Transport.
• The Freight and Regional Development division will integrate freight strategies and programs to meet the needs of the NSW economy, and particularly regional economies. Deputy Director General Rachel Johnson leads the division and brings a broad knowledge base and a strong understanding of the Australian logistics and infrastructure sector.
• The Transport Projects division will be responsible for delivering transport infrastructure projects that meet time, cost and quality objectives. Deputy Director General Chris Lock has led the Transport Construction Authority as Chief Executive and has extensive private sector project management and contract management experience.

"As we all work together in partnership, Transport for NSW will become a true leader in delivering outcomes that improve customers’ lives," Ms Berejiklian said.

Legislation to establish Transport for NSW was passed by Parliament in September.

For information about transport services, timetables and for trip planning, customers should continue to use www.131500.com.au.

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Today marks the introduction of the new Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay announced today.

In July Mr Gay, along with Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian, announced the RTA and the NSW Maritime Authority would be wound up and a new agency created.

"Today also marks the start of true integration across all modes of transport, with the formal creation of our new agency, Transport for NSW," Mr Gay said.

"Transport for NSW aims to promote a renewed focus on the customer experience, ensuring the customer is at the centre of everything we do."

Transport for NSW is responsible for improving the customer experience, planning, program administration, policy and regulation, procuring transport services, transport projects and freight and regional development.

The new Roads and Maritime Services will focus on service delivery, concentrating on delivering the key tasks of building and maintaining road infrastructure and the day-to-day compliance and safety for roads and waterways.

The safety brand NSW Maritime will continue as a Division of Roads and Maritime Services. The NSW Roads and Maritime Services agency will be led by Peter Duncan, who was recently announced as the new Chief Executive.

Mr Gay said the RTA and the NSW Maritime Authority shared key focus areas, including delivery of licence and registration services, regulating users of roads and waterways, managing compliance issues, providing critical input into innovative safety initiatives, the provision and maintenance of infrastructure, and provision of frontline services and web-based information for customers.

"The new agency will focus on improving customer service, while ensuring cost effective delivery," he said.

"Roads and Maritime Services will be working towards integration so transactional services such as driver and maritime licences can be obtained from the one location.

"However it will take some time to integrate all services and we will keep our customers informed during the transition. In the meantime we will continue to provide licensing, registration and other customer services, without disruption."

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Taxi drivers will be able to request pre-payment from customers as part of a new trial to begin on the Central Coast shortly, a Transport for NSW spokesman announced today.

From November 28, taxis attached to the Central Coast Taxi network will take part in the 12-month trial, which will operate 24 hours a day.

“This trial comes after Central Coast Taxis approached Transport for NSW because drivers had reported increased incidents of fare evasion,” he said.

“The trial is about providing a better work environment for our taxi drivers who are simply trying to do a day’s work, but it also means that those people who do the right thing will be able to get a taxi when they need one.”

The regulation permitting the trial was submitted to the previous Government, but it was not signed by the then Minister for Transport.

Details of the trial include:

• Taxi drivers will have the choice to request pre-payment;
• The driver will estimate how much the fare will cost at the start of the trip, using a Transport for NSW authorised taxi fare estimator;
• The passenger must pay the driver this amount by cash or electronic payment before the commencement of the journey and the driver must give the passenger a receipt for the amount tendered;
• The fare that appears on the taxi meter at the end of the journey will determine what the passenger finally pays;
• If the metered fare is less than the deposit, the driver must refund the difference to the passenger, and if the metered fare is greater than the deposit, the passenger will be required to pay the difference;
• If the passenger refuses to provide a deposit, the driver can refuse to carry the passenger.
• Transport for NSW is consulting with Central Coast Taxis, taxi driver associations and the NSW Taxi Council to ensure that all parties are fully informed of the trial’s operating arrangements. Advertisements will also be placed in local media.

The fare estimator will be available on Transport for NSW's website prior to commencement of the trial, along with full details of the trial.

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The completion of the Richmond Line Duplication Project between Quakers Hill and
Schofields – providing more rail services for the North West – and the opening of the
new Schofields Station, was announced today.

A Department of Transport spokesman said the new rail and bus services will begin on
Saturday, October 29.

“The new station and extra rail services which come with the completion of this stage of
the duplication will mean commuters will have access to an additional 42 train services
at Schofields station each week,” he said.

“This includes eight additional services to and from the City on weekdays and one
additional service on Saturdays and Sundays.”

The new Schofields Station is approximately 800 metres from the existing station.

“The NSW Government has listened to Schofields residents’ concerns about the
relocated station and has ensured they can access the new station by improving
regular, scheduled bus services and providing a free, temporary shuttle bus service
between the old and new station until the end of this year,” he said.

The opening of Schofields Station will see bus route T74 that currently runs between
Blacktown Station and The Ponds, extended to Riverstone Station via the new
Schofields Station. It will run more often and for more hours each day.

Six new, low-floor, air conditioned buses will be provided to run the T74 service as part
of the $118.8 million invested by the NSW Government in the recent state budget.

The new Schofields Station provides rail customers with improved services and
facilities, including:

• 230 commuter car parking spaces, three times the number at the old station (120
of the 230 spaces will be available in late 2011 following the opening of the
Bridge Road extension access to the station);
• Lift access to the overhead concourse and platforms;
• Disabled parking near the lifts;
• Kiss and Ride passenger drop off zones;
• Bus interchange and taxi zones;
• Bicycle facilities; and,
• CCTV camera surveillance.

Department of Transport Public Information Unit (02) 8202 3760

NSW Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian has condemned today's snap action by members of the Bus and Tram Division of the NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union which will leave thousands of passengers stranded.

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NSW Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay has announced the new Roads and Maritime
Services will start operating on 1 November this year.

Mr Gay said after an extensive recruitment process, he was delighted to announce that Peter
Duncan, currently Deputy Director General of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet,
will be the new Chief Executive of the Roads and Maritime Services.

“Mr Duncan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and senior experience in NSW
Government roles,” Mr Gay said.

“Mr Duncan has held a range of senior positions in the NSW Government, including previous
roles as the Director General of the Department of Services, Technology and Administration,
Chief Executive of Forests NSW and Deputy Director General of the Department of Primary
Industries.” he said.

“He also spent the early years on his career in road design for the Department of Main Roads
and Roads and Traffic Authority – giving him a strong insight into the functions and
requirements of the roads agency at a grass roots level.

“Mr Duncan has an extremely impressive background and record of achievement in
Government and we are delighted he has been appointed to the position.

"Mr Duncan will take on his new role from October 31st, following the proclamation of
legislation on 1 November which will formally create Roads and Maritime Services.

”Roads and Maritime Services will operate under a service delivery contract to the new
integrated transport authority, Transport for NSW,” Mr Gay said.

“The new agency will drive a renewed focus on its customers, including road users and people
using our waterways.”

Mr Gay said he would like to pay tribute to outgoing Chief Executive Michael Bushby for his
great dedication in leading the RTA for the past two and a half years and his 13 years at the
organisation.

“I would like to congratulate Michael Bushby for his service to the people of NSW and wish
him well for the future,” Mr Gay said

Mr Bushby will step down on 27 October.

Media: Lance

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Almost $80 million worth of major construction tenders have been awarded for two projects associated with the South West Rail Link, Minister for Transport Gladys
Berejiklian announced today.

Construction firm Arenco has been awarded a $12.9 million contract to deliver the new overhead concourse at Glenfield Station – a key interchange between the East Hills line and the new South West line; and construction firm Laing O’Rourke has been awarded a $65 million contract to build a new train stabling facility to house 11 train west of Auburn Station.

“The awarding of these contracts is an important milestone in the delivery of the South West Rail Link,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It brings the reality of improved train services and better public transport infrastructure another step closer for South West Sydney.

“When complete, the Glenfield Transport Interchange will make it easier for commuters to cycle, catch a bus, walk or drive to Glenfield Station and access improved services to destinations like Liverpool, Parramatta or the Sydney CBD.

“The new Auburn stabling facility will support the introduction of South West Rail Link services in 2016 by improving the network’s efficiency and allowing for an increased
number of trains to service Sydney’s inner-west and south-west.”

The awarding of the contract comes after a $4.5 million weekend workathon which saw 300 workers make dramatic progress on the Glenfield Station Interchange.

During the blitz 54 eight-tonne beams were lifted into place to form the basis of the new concourse.

Workers logged more than 3000 hours on-the-job during the biggest weekend of activity seen on the project so far.

“These workers did a sterling job installing the station concourse beams and overhead wiring as well as laying another 190 metres of track,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We’ve made the South West Rail Link a priority and I’m delighted that we are seeing the results of this focus as the new rail line takes shape.”

The $2.1 billion South West Rail Link is an 11 kilometre twin-track line connecting Glenfield to Leppington via Edmondson Park.

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Three firms and consortiums have been shortlisted for the tender process to become the new operator of Sydney Ferries, Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian announced today.
The three parties were selected from a field of local and international operators based on their responses to the Expressions of Interest stage. They are:

• Harbour City Ferries (Transfield Services Australia and Veolia Transdev Australasia)
• Serco Australia
• Transit Systems and Forgacs Engineering

“Today’s announcement means the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is a step closer to delivering on our commitment to giving our harbour and the people of Sydney the world class ferry service they deserve,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The process will ensure customers see improved ferry services delivered by the best possible operator while at the same time offering taxpayers value for money.

“Tender documents will be released to the shortlisted parties this month, allowing them to prepare detailed proposals demonstrating why they should be selected to operate Sydney Ferries under the franchise model developed by the Government.

“The ability of tenderers to improve the overall customer experience will be a key consideration, in line with the emphasis on customer service we are implementing across the public transport network.”

The parties will have until early 2012 to submit their responses, with the successful operator to be in place by the end of next year. Responses will be evaluated against criteria including safety, operational and maintenance capability as well as cost to Government.

Ms Berejiklian said under the franchise model, the Government will retain ownership of Sydney Ferries’ existing vessels and the Balmain Shipyard and will retain full control over fares and service levels.

Media: Brett Cox 0435 968 185

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Local commuters are big winners under the CityRail timetable changes, with 600 extra
seats in the weekday peaks, and eight new services per weekend, Minister for
Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Blue Mountains MP Roza Sage announced today.

“This is good news for train passengers in the Blue Mountains,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Extra carriages and extra seats in the peak will ease overcrowding and provide the
added capacity commuters need on the busiest services.

“These timetable changes deliver an extra 600 seats in peak periods which is good
news for those travelling longer distances to Sydney.

“There will also be eight extra services on weekends to increase capacity during the
periods of highest demand.”

Blue Mountains MP Roza Sage said the timetable changes would deliver improved
services when they were needed most.

“Blue Mountains train passengers will benefit from these changes because it delivers
more seats when they’re needed,” she said.

“Eight new services per weekend will also be introduced at periods of high demand,
and an adjustment to the departure time of one weekend afternoon service from
Central to Mount Victoria will also be made to align with passenger demand on
Saturdays and Sundays.

“The extra weekend services will make it easier for people to travel to and from the
Blue Mountains, and that’s good news for local businesses.

“The message for Blue Mountains customers is to be ready for 23 October, plan
ahead and find out how these changes will affect your journey.”

These timetable changes will be carefully monitored following introduction on Sunday
23 October 2011.

Timetable information is available from www.131500.com.au today, or from train
stations from 12 October.

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NRL fans took to public transport in their thousands to get to and from the NRL Grand
Final on Sunday, a Department of Transport spokesman said today.

“This represents a massive single movement of people and I would like to thank all of
the drivers, station attendants and staff who worked hard to ensure people got to the
game on time,” he said.

The spokesman said of the 83,000 fans that traveled to Olympic Park to watch the
Manly Sea Eagles play the New Zealand Warriors, 36,000 used trains, while 14,000
people used the Major Event Bus service.

“This demonstrates that when there is a big event, game, or celebration using public
transport is the way to go.

“CityRail provided special event trains direct to Olympic Park from Central and
Blacktown every 7-10 minutes from midday to ensure thousands of fans who chose to
catch the train didn’t miss a minute of the action.

“Getting fans home safely and quickly is always the biggest challenge for large events
and that’s when the months of behind-the-scenes planning, coordination and extra staff
make the biggest difference.

“Unlike arrivals which are usually dispersed across the afternoon, when the final whistle
blows suddenly you have more than 36,000 people all wanting to catch the train home
at the same time.

“It’s great to see people taking advantage of the travel included in their Grand Final
ticket to get to and from the game on the CityRail network, Sydney Olympic Park Major
Event Buses, regular Sydney Buses, Liverpool to Parramatta T-way buses and Sydney
Ferries.

“On top of this STA buses and special event shuttle bus services helped more than
7,000 people travelling to and from the Parklife music festival and more than 3,700
going to the Randwick Races on Saturday - it was a big weekend for transport,” he said.

Transport for NSW regularly provides special event transport to and from special events
such as the NRL Grand Final, with public transport options often included in the
ticketing arrangements for the events.

Department of Transport Public Information Unit (02) 8202 3760

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