Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said she was furious and understood the community’s anger and frustration regarding the new bus provider in Sutherland Shire LGA.

Mrs Stuart has fielded dozens of calls and emails from schools and residents in the past few weeks regarding U-Go Mobility, which took over as the local bus service provider on July 1 this year.

The contract was signed during the former government’s watch at the eleventh hour before the last state election.

Children have been repeatedly left at bus stops and stranded at school as bus services failed to show up or were delayed significantly.

“The service has fallen well below community expectations,” Mrs Stuart said.

“I have had multiple parents contact myself or my office to report the children had been stranded at school or a bus stop due to a driver failing to show up.

“These haven’t been one offs – they have been regular occurrences.

“In some instances bus drivers have driven directly past the school but failed to stop despite students and teachers clearly waiting for the service.

“To say I am disgusted would be an incredibly gross understatement.

“However, I am buoyed by the fact the Minister has instructed Transport for NSW to impose fines and penalties on U-Go Mobility until they the provider actually fulfills its contractual obligations.

“I have been in daily contact with the Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, and her office over the past couple of weeks to ensure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible and that U-Go Mobility is held accountable.”

Temporary changes will be made to bus services to prevent the ad hoc cancellations that have occurred over the past few weeks.

School services and busy routes will be prioritised as part of those temporary changes and changes will be reflected in planning apps and on transportnsw.info.

U-Go Mobility has set up a dedicated phone line and email for customers.

“I would also encourage everyone to reach out to my office on 9548 0144 or [email protected] and report any issues with the service,” Mrs Stuart said.

“All we want is a local bus service that actually shows up – and on time.

“It’s not a big ask.”