Newcastle Buses Halted After Shocking Safety Threat
Hey everyone, we've got some breaking news from Newcastle, and it’s causing absolute chaos. Imagine this—students left stranded at school, parents scrambling to find alternate ways to pick up their kids, and commuters stuck without transport. All of this unfolded after a serious safety threat forced Newcastle buses to stop operating suddenly this afternoon.
So, what exactly happened? Earlier today, a bus driver in the Newcastle CBD was allegedly threatened by a member of the public, who reportedly claimed they would return with a machete. Understandably, this alarming situation sparked immediate action from the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU). Concerned for their safety, the drivers, with the support of their union, issued a ‘cease unsafe work’ notice. This meant that, effective immediately, all Newcastle buses were taken off the roads, leaving passengers in a bind.
One of the hardest-hit groups was school students. At Hunter Christian School, more than 60 students—ranging from Kindergarten to Year 12—were left waiting after the buses failed to show up. The school’s executive principal, Dr. Simon Herd, stated that the situation was highly frustrating, as there had been no official communication from Newcastle Buses' operator, Keolis Downer. Staff had to rely on media reports to gather information, while parents frantically tried to make alternative arrangements to get their children home. Some teachers even stayed back into the evening to supervise students.
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This disruption wasn’t limited to just one school. Other institutions, including Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Callaghan College Wallsend Campus, and Lambton High School, also had to quickly inform parents about the unexpected halt in transport services. While other bus companies like Port Stephens Coaches and Hunter Valley Buses continued to operate, many Newcastle students were still left without a way home.
Beyond the schools, this sudden shutdown affected thousands of commuters. People heading to work, running errands, or traveling for appointments found themselves stranded. Many had no choice but to wait for updates, as Transport for NSW acknowledged ‘delays’ but had no immediate solution.
The union is adamant that safety must come first. RTBU secretary David Babineau emphasized that the safety of bus drivers had been deteriorating for some time, with an alarming increase in assaults, verbal abuse, and even bizarre incidents—such as drivers being ‘fart-sprayed’—being reported in recent weeks. Just last month, two teenage boys were charged for attacking bus drivers. The RTBU insists that unless a clear safety solution is put in place, buses will not return to service.
Authorities, including NSW Police and Safe Work NSW, are now involved in discussions with Keolis Downer and the union to resolve the crisis. Transport for NSW has assured the public that they are working closely with all parties to find a solution. However, for now, the region is facing major transport disruptions, and there's no clear timeline on when services will resume.
For now, if you're in Newcastle, it’s best to check for alternative transport options and stay updated through official channels. This situation is still unfolding, and we’ll bring you more updates as they come in. Stay safe out there!
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