With the NSW Liberal State Government's decision to axe most of the Free Shuttle Bus services operating across major suburbs in Sydney as of 05 August 2013 due to 'low patronage', one of the regions most affected will be Sydney's South Western suburbs in which the Cabramatta Free Shuttle Bus Service operates (Route 88), main adjoining suburbs affected include;
- Cabramatta
- Cabramatta East
- Canley Vale
- Canley Heights

With a demographic mostly consisting of the elderly, financially disadvantaged, young children and people of non-English speaking backgrounds, the decision to axe this service was poorly executed.

With poorly secured posters written in only English (82.2% of the population from a Non-English speaking background) as well as being easily blown away by the elements or simply stolen. Many passengers on board today (as of 03 August 2013), had no idea of the service's axing.

Reason: 'Low patronage' - or simply a cover up?

As many who use the service know, drivers still have to input into the ticket machine how many passengers on board as a record for the bus company to be paid (by the State Government). The constant alighting and boarding of passengers between bus stops means there is insufficient time for the machine to cope with the ticket counter as well as safely focus on the road driving the bus. Many drivers either 'estimate' the number of passengers on board at the end of the shuttle or simply ignore using the ticket machine all together. This is one possible reason why the Government has decided to axe the system - due to inefficient ticketing/recording system.

The Route 88 Cabramatta Shuttle Bus service operated by both Oliveri's Metrolink and West Bus on a rotational basis will not only be affected, but the drivers who operate the buses with one bus driver saying he will be made redundant.

Most of the population use the free shuttle bus service as a means of being able to visit doctors, government agencies for help (e.g. Centrelink in Cabramatta, Tax Help, Translating services etc...), Cabra Vale leisure centre (one of the bus stops on the route) as well as their shopping in Canley Heights and Cabramatta.
With already congested roads everyday in Canley Heights and Cabramatta struggling to find insufficient parking spaces, this service not only lowers the amount of cars on the road but also the impact on the environment from emissions emitted from those vehicles.

Even if the service is only operating on the weekends - where buses are packed and used by many it would be a great asset to the community.

Your assistance by signing for this petition to overturn the government's decision is most appreciated.

Spread the word to family, friends and relatives (or even your next door neighbour) affected!