The PTC, composed of five Commissioners appointed by the Governor of New South Wales, was accountable to the Minister for Transport.

The Commission acquired the assets and liabilities of the former commissioners, were bound by current agreements or contracts, and were responsible for the completion of business commenced by them.

Shirley had been involved with the Beeching cuts being vice chairman of the British Railways Board in his native United Kingdom in the 1960s.

[29] In November 1979, a modified livery for locomotives was introduced with the colours on the Tuscan and yellow painted ends reverted.

In June 1974, the PTC took over the operation of Bowden's Bus Service route 79 from the Town Hall to Tamarama.