#transport

Labor MPs are promising big things for the Hunter, with a swathe of policy announcements at the party's state conference over the weekend.

Public submissions have opened today on the new draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan.

An Upper House inquiry into the privatisation of Newcastle's bus services has recommended the move be reversed, over concern the quality of services has declined, passengers now pay more, and drivers face worse pay and conditions.

Selected school bus routes in the Hunter will be equipped with seatbelts, as the State Government extends the $237 million program to the region.

Newcastle's bus fleet is starting to go green, as part of a plan to introduce electric-powered buses in the city.

Works on the Speers Point to Glendale shared pathway have wrapped up.

Lake Macquarie will soon see ferries back on its waters, with services set to return from January 1.

The Hunter's western suburbs are set to get new school bus routes later this month, with the hopes to reduce congestion and get kids to and from school more safely.