Vic: Govt to take over/retender trains and trams
MELBOURNE, Dec 17 AAP - The Victorian government will assume control of National ExpressPublic Transport Services for at least 12 months to allow a restructuring of the system.
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor today said the government would seek to re-tenderMelbourne's public transport services, creating one tram and one train network.
However he said the government also would consider allowing Connex to take over NationalExpress metropolitan train assets and Yarra Trams to purchase National Express' tram business.
"Our aim is to stabilise the industry in the short-term and then to deliver a long-termsolution which will put public transport on a financial sustainable footing," Mr Batchelorsaid.
In relation to National Express' V/Line country rail business, Mr Batchelor said thegovernment would run that business for a longer period until infrastructure works werecompleted on the state's fast rail network.
Mr Batchelor said the V/Line business would then be re-tendered.
He said the cost of operating the three National Express franchises would be met using$90 million set aside by the state government, and the company's $130 million performancebond held in trust.
He said the jobs of all franchise employees would be transferred to the governmentin the interim period and their entitlements protected.
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KEYWORD: TRAMS BATCHELOR LEAD
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