MPS HAND SURVERY RESULTS TO KEOLIS DOWNER

Local MPs Sonia Hornery MP, Member for Wallsend, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Member for Newcastle, Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown, and Yasmin Catley MP, Member for Swansea, will hand over the results of a survey on the Newcastle regions public transport to private operator Keolis Downer.

The survey comes after public outrage at changes to local timetables and routes in January this year, which led to chaos for commuters and students. Local MPs have pursued the Government over the changes ever since.

Keolis Downer has announced changes in the wake of public pressure and the MPs hope that the survey responses are included in the companys consideration of adjusted routes and timetables.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison MP

Given I had to find out about proposed timetable changes from the media last week, I hold grave doubts about Keolis Downers ability to be open and transparent in their review of the timetables and routes. It is for this reason that I am joining my Labor colleagues today to hand deliver 1500 surveys to Keolis Downer which provide specific details about the impact the new timetables are having on peoples daily lives. This is more than twice the number of people consulted by Keolis Downer as part of the development of the new network implemented on January 14.

I still have hundreds of constituents contacting me voicing their concerns about limited operating hours, changed routes, no access to timetables, and a significant increase in journey times.

These are the people that Keolis Downer and Andrew Constance need to listen to.