Region 8 Tender Open

The announcement to open the competitive tender process for State Transit’s Northern Region (Brookvale, Mona Vale and North Sydney depots) was made by the NSW Government on Wednesday 24 June 2020.

Transport for NSW is managing the process for the NSW Government following the decision to franchise Sydney’s remaining bus networks in October last year.

“It is anticipated that the contract for Region 8 will be awarded in May 2021 with the full transition of Region 8 expected by October 2021,” said Daniela Fontana, State Transit CEO.

“While not actively involved in the procurement process, State Transit will continue to assist TfNSW during the tender period to ensure a smooth transition for our people.”

In making a transition to private operators, the NSW Government will continue to:

  • own State Transit buses and all other assets such as depots;
  • regulate timetables, safety, and service priorities; and
  • set fares as they are today, under the Opal system.

With the recent announcement of a staggered transition process for State Transit’s three regions, and the commencement of the tender process, comes more certainty about the timing for our transition.

Our operational employees will receive a two-year employment guarantee from the time the new operator takes over in each region. Those in Regions 8 and 7 (Ryde and Willoughby depots) are guaranteed a job under the same conditions until late 2023. Those in Region 9 (Port Botany, Waverley and Randwick depots) will benefit from the same agreement until around mid-2024.

It is not yet clear what impact, if any, the transition of Region 8 will have on our non-operational staff. We will continue to work with our non-operational staff to clarify this as we get closer to transition. Career support will be available to all non-operational colleagues who are not guaranteed a job with an incoming operator at the end of the transition process.

“While it’s business-as-usual for us all, our collective mindset and focus needs to be firmly on the change ahead and how to prepare for it,” said Mark Cox, Executive Director of People and Culture.

“The People and Culture team is working hard on a range of initiatives to support our people to adapt and thrive into the future. For everyone, but particularly those whose jobs are not guaranteed, we are here for you. Your wellbeing is our priority.”

There are many avenues if you feel you need support, such as:

  • a variety of health, wellbeing and financial wellness resources are available on the Benehub portal – www.benestar.com/user/login
  • your depot’s Mental Health First Aider for onsite support
  • access to our EAP (1300 360 364) if you need to talk to someone outside of the workplace, which includes managers that may need assistance with a work problem
  • speaking with your one-up manager if you have any concerns about members of the team
  • your People and Culture Business Partner or the Organisational Development Team if you need any assistance.

A large variety of questions have been asked about the transition since it was announced. You can find answers to these—and more—on the Stay Informed website. If you have a question you can’t find an answer to, please speak with your manager or contact the People and Culture team via email.

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