Hastings Macleay Community Transport say bureaucracy is crippling its ability to offer vital services.
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The Port Macquarie non-for-profit organisation said in October 2016 the NSW Government rescinded the fleet management rights of community transport operators - taking control and changing the rules for buying and replacing vehicles.
Hastings Macleay Community Transport provides transport for those in need in the Hastings and Macleay areas.
CEO Carlie McWilliams said decisions about good fleet management for passenger safety and comfort should be made by individual community transport providers.
Before the rescindment, community transport service providers were making commercial decisions based on their individual communities and people, enabling better value for money and safety.
- Carlie McWilliams
"We must remain operationally viable, to enable a broader range of transport, and to ensure the most vulnerable travelling public are not missing out," she said.
Community Transport CEO Dianne Hallett said elimination of the hands-on approach of NSW government would result in less financial burden on government and more funds to spend on transport services for people who really need it.
"This sector is astute in managing appropriate and economical fleets, caring for people by taking them where they want to be, in safety and with dignity," Ms Hallett said.
Leslie Williams MP said her government aims to help rather than hinder providers with safety and functionality concerns.
“Where community transport service providers have concerns regarding the safety or ongoing functionality of a vehicle, they may apply to Transport for NSW for written consent to purchase a new vehicle before maximum age, as provided by the contract," Ms Williams said.
“Transport for NSW helps community transport service providers to facilitate this process."