The TWU is criticising Transurban for increasing its road toll prices yet again
The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has criticised Transurban for increasing road tolls, with increases set to be as high as 3.33 per cent.
The TWU NSW believes that the road tolls raised by Transurban as well as Westlink M7 and NorthConnex disregards the economic challenges faced by ordinary, working people and demonstrates a concerning lack of empathy for the community.
The TWU says the increase will also have a significant impact on the transport industry by increasing operating costs for companies who are already operating on thin margins and increasing the deadly pressures of the industry.
The TWU says tolls on NSW roads have increased by up to 6.74 per cent in the past 12 months and are set to continue to be adjusted on a quarterly basis.
“This unjustifiable move comes at a time when the community is already grappling with a cost of living crisis, further burdening hardworking individuals and families who rely on our roads for their daily commute and essential travel needs,” TWU NSW/ Queensland state secretary Richard Olsen says.
“With stagnant wages, rising living expenses, and increasing inflation rates, the added financial strain of inflated toll costs will be acutely felt by the already stretched household budgets.
“Transport operators are already grappling with rising operational costs. The increased tolls will directly translate into higher expenses, ultimately impacting the prices of goods and put pressure on transport workers to meet unrealistic deadlines.
“Just to use Transurban’s motorways, heavy vehicle drivers are looking at a potential $280.60 a week, and that’s only if they’re just using the M2.
“We are calling for Transurban to provide further toll relief for every day working people, as well as across the transport industry, because we cannot afford to continue lining the deep pockets of a company who are already making excessive profit.”
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