That’s a suggestion made by Wollongong MP Paul Scully to explain the delay in the government signing off on a joint funding deal with Wollongong City Council and the University of Wollongong.

The government had planned to introduce fares on the free bus from January 29.

The government said that would allow it to reduce the subsidy it paid for the Gong Shuttle from 100 per cent to 75 per cent – in line with other public transport services.

The council and university each offered to contribute $350,000 to fund that 25 per cent shortfall, which saw the government hold off on its decision to charge fares until the end of the financial year.

More than four months have elapsed and there is still no signed deal between the government, university and council.

Mr Scully suggested the negotiations were being held up because the $700,000 offer was not enough to plug the funding gap and the government was objecting to pay more than the planned 75 per cent.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that is part of the sticking point,” Mr Scully said.

“But if that is it then be honest, be upfront. I think we have a right to know as a community exactly what is going on with this.”

Mr Scully said he was worried that, if a deal was not struck by the end of the financial year, that fares would be introduced on July 1.

Keira MP Ryan Park said it was still unclear whether the government had dropped the possibility of introducing fares.

“I’m not aware that this is off the table,” Mr Park said.

“That’s why Paul Scully and I are very very concerned, because until we see this deal done, we cannot trust this government.”

He also questioned the delay in signing off on a deal.

“Nearly six months have passed and still this government hasn’t got the ability, or capability, to get this deal over the line,” he said.

“This should have happened in a matter of minutes yet it has taken months to resolve.

“It’s time the certainty gets delivered for the people of the Illawarra.”

Transport for NSW was contacted for comment.