Frequently asked questions Page 6 Number plates for accredited bus operators Summer 2014, issue 27 Page 11 Preparing for the bushfire season Page 14 We value your Future editions feedback of BSN We endeavour to provide you with the We hope you enjoy this edition of BSN. most recent and topical industry news If you wish to receive a copy of the and explain how we are exercising our newsletter by email, please contact us via regulatory responsibilities. [email protected] If you have any feedback on this with your preferred email address. publication or have an article idea for If you do not have access to email or future editions, please send an email to internet but would like to receive BSN, [email protected] please contact us. or phone us on 1800 223 022.

2 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS IN THIS Summer EDITION

From the Director 4 Summary of compliance activities 5 Frequently asked questions 6 Danger, Will Robinson! 8 Number plates for accredited bus operators 11 Welcome onboard! 12 School bus safety 13 BRAVO ZULU 14 Preparing for the bushfire season 14 VicRoads licence conditions 15

Contacting us Please note that our former telephone number 9655 8922 is no longer operational. It has been replaced by 1800 223 022.

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 3 From the Director

In the meantime the presentation of the Time is fast running out for deemed Welcome to the summer edition of Bus workshop findings will take centre stage in accredited operators to get their the forums we are planning for a number accreditation in order and ensure the Safety News (BSN), which marks the of Victorian regional locations in 2014. continuation of their bus service past the start of a new year. Look out for more information on forum legislated deadline of 31 December 2015. locations and dates soon. In this edition of BSN we provide a list of On 22 January 2014 in we deemed accredited bus operators who hosted our first public bus safety forum In this edition we introduce our two are yet to submit their application for for the year which was well attended by new Bus Safety Compliance Officers – accreditation under the Bus Safety Act all sectors of Victoria’s bus industry. The Chris Finnerty and Eve Caracciolo. Many 2009 (Vic) (BSA). Prior to Christmas we forum provided an opportunity for industry readers may have liaised with Eve as part alerted all deemed accredited bus operators participants to raise any concerns and of our Bus Accreditation and Registration to our new video aimed at encouraging queries regarding bus safety directly with team. Chris, meanwhile, joins us from the these operators to make progress with TSV’s senior bus safety management team. Taxi Services Commission. their accreditation application. This video The event was also an ideal setting for As the new school year starts it is timely is available for viewing on TSV’s website reporting the outcomes of a recent TSV to devote some attention to the range of http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/bus- / industry workshop which analysed and safety risks bus operators and bus safety safety/bus-operators/accreditation coded all the factors that contributed to the workers need to manage when transporting tragic Texas bus fire in 2005 in which 23 children to and from school. A list of risks To assist operators and others to better passengers lost their lives. This workshop associated with operating a school bus understand bus operator accreditation and provided valuable lessons for managing the service and suggested treatments are registration matters, this edition further risk of fires in all types of bus services. A highlighted in the “School bus safety” expands on these matters in BSN’s popular report on the workshop and its findings will article in this edition. ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section. be featured in a future edition of BSN. Although Victoria’s summer has Lastly, in our Bravo Zulu section of this been somewhat tardy in arriving, all edition of BSN we take the opportunity to indications are that we can expect hot dry congratulate , a recent temperatures in late January and through entrant to Victoria’s bus industry, on its bus to March. These conditions will raise the safety investigation efforts. bushfire risk in regional areas. In the article I hope you enjoy the above mentioned “Preparing for the bushfire season” we stories, and many more, in this latest look at issues that bus operators need to edition of BSN. consider when operating their bus services in areas threatened with bushfires.

STEPHEN TURNER Director, Bus Safety

4 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS Summary of compliance activities

Bus operator - Accredited bus Registered bus An important contribution to our Matter not accredited Total operator operator understanding of bus safety in Victoria or registered is provided by the outcomes of TSV’s annual bus safety compliance program. Number of buses inspected 99 44 7 150

Each year TSV’s Safety Officers conduct a number of activities No fire extinguisher 48 17 3 68 to check compliance with the BSA, Bus Safety 2010 (Vic) (BSR) and other applicable that relates to No emergency 17 n/a n/a 17 buses and drivers of buses. Often, these management plan compliance activities are undertaken jointly with other agencies such as the No pre-trip inspections Taxi Services Commission, Victoria Police, 14 n/a n/a 14 conducted Park Victoria and VicRoads.

TSV has conducted 150 bus inspections No carrying 28 n/a n/a 28 already in 2013-14, which have identified capacity signage a number of issues which require improvement. The table opposite shows the outcomes Defective tyres 2 1 nil 3 of the compliance activities conducted between 1 July – 8 November 2013 and the No drivers licence / non-compliance issues identified. 5 1 1 7 driver accreditation

Where non-compliance is found, bus operators and bus safety workers may be subject Image above: A TSV Bus Safety Compliance Officer at a recent compliance operation at Twelve Apostles, Port to enforcement that ranges from fines and defect notices to improvement and Campbell National Park. prohibition notices.

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 5 Frequently asked questions

TSV regularly receives enquiries from stakeholders about the requirements of the BSA and the BSR. Here are our responses to some recent questions.

Question Question Question I am a driver for a community and private As an accredited bus operator providing a Where can I find a list of licenced bus bus service. Do I need to apply for driver commercial bus service, do my drivers need testers (LBTs)? accreditation? specific accreditation? Answer Answer Answer You can find a list of the LBTs on the No, the driver of a bus providing a Yes, an accredited bus operator of a VicRoads website www.roads.vic.gov.au community and private bus service does commercial bus service must not permit not require driver accreditation. a person to drive a bus for a commercial On the VicRoads “Safety & rules” webpage bus service unless that person holds a there is a link to “Licenced Vehicle Tester However, the operator of such a bus service locations”. Opening this link will provide a is required to ensure that the driver of the driver accreditation under Division 6 of Part VI of the Transport (Compliance and “Licenced Vehicle tester” by location (Town bus holds the appropriate driver licence for / Suburb). the category of motor vehicle that the bus is. Miscellaneous) Act 1983 (Vic). Please ensure when selecting the tester For a community and private bus service Commercial bus services are route bus services, demand responsive bus services, that they have the designation “LB” listed an “appropriate driver licence” for the against the “Categorie(s)” element of the category of motor vehicle means: tour and charter bus services and courtesy bus services wherein the bus used to licenced vehicle tester information. (a) a full driver licence for that category of provide the commercial bus service is built motor vehicle; or with seating positions for 13 or more adults (b) if the registered bus operator has (including the driver). been given approval under BSA Also of note – the requirement to hold a section 22(5A) to use drivers who driver accreditation also applies to the hold a probationary driver licence – a driver of a minibus providing a commercial probationary driver licence for that minibus service. A commercial minibus category of motor vehicle; or service is a route service, a demand (c) a driver licence issued in another responsive bus service or a tour and jurisdiction that is equivalent to charter bus service wherein the bus used in (a) or (b) above. the service is built with seating positions for 10, 11 or 12 adults (including the driver).

6 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS Question Question Question As an interstate operator, am I required I want to buy an eight seater vehicle to drop We are a social club and want to hire a to submit a National Police Certificate off and pick up customers from various minibus for a few months to use as a when applying for bus operator venues. Do I need to hold bus operator courtesy bus for our members and patrons. accreditation in Victoria? accreditation or bus operator registration? Do we still need to complete an application even though we don’t own this bus? Answer Answer Yes. Bus operators who submit a National You do not have to apply for bus operator Answer Police Certificate from a state other registration or accreditation to operate a Yes, as the operator of a community and than Victoria may be asked to supply a vehicle with seating capacity of less than 10 private bus service the club is required to statutory declaration stating that they seats (including the driver). This is because hold bus operator registration. have not committed any criminal offences under the BSA, ‘bus’ is defined as a vehicle A community and private bus service is in Victoria. The reason for this additional with seating positions for 10 people or more. defined as a bus service consisting of requirement is that the parameters However, other Victoria legislation, such the carriage of passengers by a bus for governing police checks differ between as that applying to taxis and special or in connection with the activities of a some jurisdictions. purpose vehicle licencing, may apply religious, educational, health, welfare, and you should contact the Taxi Services philanthropic, sporting or social body; Commission on 1800 638 802 to ascertain and which is provided for no consideration the relevant requirements. or for consideration which is limited to the costs or part of the costs incurred in making the journey. There is no application fee or annual fees for bus operator registration. If you have any questions, contact TSV on 1800 223 022 or email us at information@ transportsafety.vic.gov.au

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 7 Danger, Will Robinson!

A A T Kings Company Pty Ltd Balnarring Bus Lines Pty Ltd Cann Wallace James A Ace Chauffeured Limousines Pty Ltd Barbara Joanne Meek Carter Alfred Michael A and J Hall Pty Ltd Barrie Kenneth Halliday Castlemaine Bus Lines Proprietary Limited Abalooloom Pty Ltd Barry John Mills Cecil & Sons Pty Ltd Abella Travel Pty Ltd Barry Raymond Down Chandana Nimal Hettiyahandi Adderley Holdings Pty Ltd Bartel Michael John Charles Kleiman Adrian Gerard Cranage Bartel Robert Leigh Chelbec Pty Ltd Airs Lois Baude Douglas Robert Chin Te-Pei Alan Fenner BBL Management Pty Ltd Chris Zois Alan Francis Hird Begonia City Buslines Pty Ltd Christine Wren Alan John Woodford Bell Peter Geoffrey Christopher Joseph Grafen Albert Raymond Terrill Bengreda Pty Ltd City of Greater Geelong Alcoa Portland Aluminium Pty Ltd Bernard Edward Bennett City of Port Phillip Alison Elaine Stone Bernard J Mannes Clifton Bus Lines Pty Ltd “Danger, Will Robinson!” is a catchphrase from Allan Raymond Weeks Beryl Morgan Coaches R Us Pty Ltd Allan Russell McFarlane Bevdar Pty Ltd the 1960s’ American television series Lost in Coal Valley Coaches Pty Ltd Allen Bus Company Pty Ltd Bindaree Outdoor Education Services Space that has entered everyday use. The phrase Pty Ltd Cofare Pty Ltd Altona Sports Club Inc Birchip Bus Lines Pty Ltd Cole’s Coaches (Colac) Pty Ltd warns someone that they are about to make a Andrew Clement Blackmore Jennifer Joan Coles Anglesea Pty Ltd mistake or that they are overlooking something Angle Eng Pty Ltd Blair Geoffrey Hahnel Coles Coaches Pty Ltd Anita Mary Gourlay that is very important to their future. Blue Sky International (Aust) Pty Ltd Collins Trevor Mitchell Anjet Pty Limited Bosica Dion Nominees Pty Ltd Compass Group () Pty Ltd To all the deemed accredited bus operators – Danger, Annascot Pty Ltd Bounti International Pty Ltd Condon Daryl Noel Will Robinson! Your deemed accreditation is quickly Anne Hicks Brad Leary Condon Gregory John Eric running out! Anne Therese Wortmann Braybon Industries Pty Ltd Cook Nadia Every day a deemed accredited bus operator delays Anthony Gray Brendan R Peters Craig Robert Robertson submitting their application for accreditation under Antonio Cardamone Brian James Cardwell Crammond Holdings Pty Ltd the Bus Safety Act 2009 (Vic) (BSA) is one day closer Ari Zulkarnaen Broadmeadows Bus Charter Pty Ltd Cranbourne Day Care and Kindergarten to when their deemed accreditation will cease by Arica Pty Ltd Centre Pty Ltd Broadmeadows Bus Service Pty Ltd on 31 December 2015 and their legal permission to Around Australia Coach Tours Pty Ltd Cranbourne Transit Pty Ltd Bruce Alan Jackson operate a bus service will no longer exist. Ashley Brian Cronin CSL & HJK Pty. Ltd. Bruce Alan Midgley Asian Pacific Property Investment Czarvic Pty Ltd To assist bus operators to know who has yet to apply Pty Ltd Bruce Leslie Pearson D J & D K Burt Pty Ltd for accreditation under BSA, TSV has included a list Aulia Pty Ltd Bryant Motors Pty Ltd Dacholle Pty Ltd of all deemed accredited bus operators. This list is Aus Wide Chauffer Services P/L BSI Nominees Pty Ltd Dalkeith Stevens McErvale current as at 13 January 2014. We will continue to do Australia Coach & Tour Services Pty Ltd BTI Pty Ltd Daniel Ian Perry this in future editions. Australia Wide Chauffeur Cars Pty Bundinglea Pty Ltd Limited Danielle Claire Mackie TSV urges all deemed accredited bus operators listed Buses + 4WD Hire Pty Ltd Australian Coach Travel Pty Ltd Darrin Alan Fenton here to progress the submission of their application Busway Pty Ltd Australian Wine Tour Company Pty Ltd Daryl Kenneth Walters for accreditation. If a deemed accredited bus operator Bynon’s Pty Ltd Australiner Pty Ltd David Alan Baldwin is unsure of any aspect of the application process C & J Squires Pty Ltd Auswild Pty Ltd David Campbell Knaggs please contact Julien Pezzino, Manager, Accreditation C A & J A McMicking Pty Ltd B & G Christian Pty Ltd David Keith Lorensini and Registration, on (03) 9655 1093 or email TSV at C L & J J Davies Pty Ltd B C & E J Ellis Pty Ltd David Peter Ross [email protected] Calerjero Nominees Pty Ltd Bacchus Marsh Coaches Pty Ltd Deer Park Club Inc

8 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS Denis Anthony Hodge Father Patrick Moroney Gettem Holdings Pty Ltd Happysak Pty Ltd Jenene Alice McGinty Dereje Weldemeskel Faxford Pty Ltd Getting About Coaches Pty Ltd Harfleur Investments Pty Ltd Jenngard Pty Ltd Di Di Coach Pty Ltd Faye Robyn Campbell Gielnik Holding Pty Ltd Harlan Transport Pty Ltd Jennifer Anne Newton Diamond Wave Pty Ltd FC 5 Pty. Ltd Gilbert Ralph Greaves Harris John Charles Jetbus Airport Shuttle Pty Ltd DJ & KM Tiziani Pty Ltd Ferguson Coaches Pty Ltd Gilek Coskun Harry Grammatos Jimarnie Cricket Pty Ltd Donald Benjamin Cleeland Firefly Coaches Pty Ltd Gillick Glenda Hartford View Pty. Ltd. Jinling International Group (Australia) Pty Ltd Donald James Corbett Flying Horse Bar & Brewery Pty Ltd Gimme Golf Pty Ltd Heard Nigel Murray John Alexander Lee Bales Doncaster Coaches Pty Ltd Ford Francis Keith Giovanni Nominees Pty Ltd Helen Joy Williams John Alfred William Rooney Dondis P Evaggelos Ford’s Shepparton Bus Service Pty Ltd Glenister James Maher Hema Pty Ltd John Batson Donloy Pty Ltd Fr Noel Mackay Glenn Fin Pty Ltd Henty Highway Coach Pty Ltd John Bonney Donric Pty Ltd Frances Lorraine Page Global Ballooning Pty Ltd Heritage Bus Lines Ballarat Pty. Ltd. John Edwin Cook Dookie School Bus Pty Ltd Francis Fitzpatrick Go West Tours (Vic) Pty Ltd Hethertons Bus Service Pty Ltd John Graeme Hutchinson Dorothy Ellen Williams Frazer Andrew Norman Godden Sylvia Heyfield Bus Service Pty. Limited John Grieve Nominees Pty Ltd Douglas James Cook Fred Hall Buslines Pty Ltd Goin South Tours Pty Ltd Heywood Buslines Pty Ltd John Hilton Trenfield Douglas Marke Mackenzie Frederick David Ind Gokoglu Enterprises P/L Holbrew Nominees Pty Ltd John Leo McCarthy & Co Proprietary Dragon Culture (International) Pty Ltd Fromton Pty Ltd Golden City Coach Travel Pty Ltd Holland’s Bus Lines Pty Ltd Limited Dreamscape Tours Pty Ltd G E & K S Berryman Pty Ltd Golden Lotus Valley Pty Ltd Holt Horticulturist Pty Ltd John Nowacki Driver Education Centre of Australia G J & R E Mellington Pty Ltd Goodall John Charles Holtham Pty Ltd John Paul Borlase Duncan Wendy G M & D V Muir Pty Ltd Graeme Cox Holts Transport Pty Ltd John Sterling Dursun Ali Volkan Galetrin Pty Ltd Graeme Douglas Sandlant Houlahan Scott Edward Jonathan Bernard Herrmann DV & LM Downey Pty Ltd Gardner Transport Pty Ltd Grampians Adventure Services Pty Ltd Hugh Ross Grieve Joseph John Northey E & S J Raggatt Pty Ltd Garry Edwin Stephenson Grand Pacific Tours Pty Ltd Hummer Limousines Pty Ltd Josevski George E & V Spyrou Pty Ltd Gary Dennis Rowling Grandcity (Australia) Travel & Tour Hutchinson Luke Anthony Jotham Robert Hardy Pty. Ltd Eastern (Group) Development Pty Ltd Gary George Nelson Hyatt Chauffeured Vehicles Pty Ltd Joy Lilllian Martin Grandcity Transport Pty Ltd Eastmoor Taxis Pty Ltd Gary John Edis Ian Adams Joy Patricia Wilkinson Grant Wesley Edward Eastside Buslines Pty Ltd Gary Steven Brown Ian Gordon Watson Joy Study & Tour Pty Ltd Grayham Bradley Wickham Echuca Bus & Coach Services Pty Ltd Gattellaro Nominees Pty Ltd Ivan Bernard Younghusband Joyce Matthew Peter Great Southern Coaches Pty Ltd Edmund John McLennan Gavin Dykes Ivone Frank Anthony Judith Ann Kennedy Greenlink Tours Pty Ltd Elgan Coachlines Pty Ltd Gavin James Hird Iwashita Company Pty Ltd Julie Ryan Greg Andrew Lake Elite Limousine Service Pty Ltd Geelong & Surfcoast Limo Bus Pty Ltd J A Newtons Bus Service Pty Ltd K F B L Pty Ltd Gregory David Rawlins Elizabeth Joy Negrin Geelong Association for Parent- J. P. Nihill Pty. Ltd. K. J. & B.M. Nagle Pty. Ltd. Controlled Christian Education Gregory James Wilson Elizabeth Margaret Sutherland Jadbrooke Park Pty Ltd K. R. Little Proprietary Limited Geelong RSL Sub-Branch Inc Gregory John George Pye Elizabeth Mary Leitch Jaga (Australia) Pty Ltd Kahraman Calhan Gencon Victoria Pty Ltd Gregory Pearce-GriffinC avanagh Emmett Motors Rupanyup Pty Ltd James Ashley Garrett Kalemsa Pty Ltd Geoffrey Alan Higgins Greta Group Pty Ltd Endeavour Coach Company Pty Ltd James Electrical Contracting Pty Ltd Katawa Nominees Pty Ltd Geoffrey David Lowe Pty Ltd Euvrard John Patrick James Marshall Duggan Kathleen Ann Hunt Geoffrey Kenneth Robins Gull Services Pty Ltd Evans Richard John Jane Gardner Katrina Lysbeth Petersen Geoffrey McCoy Gunn Susan Everett Tours Pty Ltd Janice Sharon Newnham Keith William Britton Geoffrey Oswald Hahnel Gwenda Grace Elliott Evergreen Coaches Pty Ltd Janine Mary Tuohey Keith William Dickson Geoffrey Stuart Robinson H J & M E Crane & Sons Pty Ltd F & R Martin Pty Ltd Jason Andrew McCallum Kellett David Andrew Geoffrey William Beaton H M Thomas Pty Ltd F P & M A Mortimer Pty Ltd Jason Leigh Carty Kelvin John Worner George Wayne Harrison Hall Christina Fallons Bus Service Pty. Ltd. Jasper Bros Bus Company Pty Ltd Ken Boschen Gerard Thomas Gleeson Hamilton Peter Lawrence Fallons Wangaratta Pty Ltd Jaycees Transport (Aust) P/L Ken Comi (Vic) Pty Ltd Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd Happy Coach Tour Pty Ltd Falls Creek Coach Service Pty Ltd Jeffrey David Wallace Kenneth James Thomas

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 9 Kenneth John Doyle Master Tours Australia Pty. Ltd P & B Maffescioni Bus Lines Pty Ltd Ross Adrian Harold Smith The Sovereign Hill Museum’s Association Kenneth John Leach Mattea, Pamela Gladys P & C Maffescioni Pty Ltd Ross Harold Kerr The St Albans Sports Club Inc Kenneth John Wilson Matthew Cox P & L Ford Buses Pty Ltd Roulston Robert James The Terrace Inn Pty Ltd Kenneth Michael Kercheval Matthew Friedrich P D & E A O’Connell Pty Limited Roy Vincent Moriarty The Victorian Council of YMCAS Inc Kevin .W. Clark Maxann Holdings Pty Ltd P D Godkin Pty Ltd Russell Keith Broadbent Thomas Edward Peffer Kevin Alexander McPherson Maxwell George Cartwright Palmody Pty Ltd Rutherglen Bus & Tour Service Pty Ltd Three C (Aust) Pty Ltd Kevin J Bourke Pty Ltd McConnell Bus Operations Pty Ltd Parji’s Quest Pty Ltd S & T Tiley Enterprises Pty Ltd Thunder Struck Tours & Limousines Kevin Laurence Sutton McCrae U-Hire Drive It Pty. Ltd. Parks Victoria S L R Futures Pty Ltd Pty Ltd Kevin Michael Hales McHarrys Buslines Pty Ltd Passion Tour Pty Ltd Sammoy Pty Ltd Tilbawood Pty Ltd Khoa De Ly McKenzie Frances Betty Patrick William Connors Sample 2 Todd Vincent Baker Kilmihilclare Pty Ltd McKenzie’s Tourist Services Pty Ltd Paul Beames Sandfer Pty Ltd Tonda Coaches Pty Ltd Kilpatrick Bus Lines Pty Ltd McPhees Fuel & Buslines Pty Ltd Paul John Whelan Sandra Fay Benton Toni Christine Arney Kingstons Tours Pty Ltd Melbourne Cabs Pty Ltd Peers Motors Pty Ltd Sangold Pty Ltd Toson Pty Ltd Klein Corporation Pty Ltd Melbourne Hire Cars Pty Ltd Pellegrino Michael J. Santo Bonacci Townsend Riverland Tours Pty Ltd Kosloff Eric Leonard Melbournes Best Tours Pty Ltd Penny Pan Schose Bus Line Pty Ltd Transfield Services A( ustralia) Pty Ltd Kurraburne Pty Ltd Melnathayden Pty Ltd Peter Fitzgerald Scriven’s Consolidated Industries Trevor Lindsay Grant Pty Ltd L & N Cozens Pty Ltd Meng Jun Zhu Peter George Pevitt Tron Mayer SD & KA Cullen Pty Ltd L J Stewart & Sons Pty Ltd Merool Holdings Pty Ltd Peter James Millar Trotter Investments Pty Ltd Sebastiano Rizzo L. A. & Co. Pty Ltd Metro Bus (Aust) Pty Ltd Peter Jon Humphrey Tullamarine Bus Lines Pty Ltd Sedgwick Buses Pty Ltd Lade William Graham Michael Anthony Adams Peter Kenneth Olver Turnbull Brothers Yarram Pty Ltd Selocer Pty Ltd Lai’s Brothers Pty Ltd Michael Wayne Thomson Peter Lebidka U Be Fit Pty Ltd Seph Group Pty Ltd Lancefield/Romsey Commuter Bus Middleton Motors Pty Ltd Peter Negri Upper Yarra Community House Inc. Co-operative Limited Seung Beom Kim Bus Lines Pty Ltd Peter Neill Sambell V.B.I. Properties Pty Ltd Latrobe Timothy Richard Seymour Passenger Services Pty Ltd Miller Ross Sherwood Peter Samuel Fogliani Valerie Joan Wormald Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Pty Ltd Shahwali Popal Mohmed Ahmed Pharaohs Services Pty Ltd VBC Pty Ltd Laughter Unlimited Tours Pty Ltd Shaun William Brown Moon Alexander Norman Phelan Timothy Daniel Velja Daniel Laurence Pincini Shepparton Transit Pty Ltd Moonee Valley Bus Lines Pty Ltd Philip Kelly Bus Lines Pty Ltd Vera Coniglio Le Grand Vic Pty Ltd Shirley May Vardy Mooroopna Passenger Service Pty Ltd Phillip Island Bus Lines Pty Ltd Victorian Multiethnic Slavic Welfare Leanne Rae Swain Sinan Aydin Mordialloc Sporting Club Inc Phillips Garry James Association Inc Legh Michael McGinty Sita Bus Lines Pty Ltd Moreland Bus Lines Pty ltd Picture This Ballooning Pty Ltd Victorian Touring Coaches Pty Ltd Leonard Alexander Balfour Sita Coaches Pty Ltd Moreland Management Pty Ltd PJ. & P. Eldred Pty. Ltd Victorian YMCA Accommodation Leonie Maree Lambert Sita Holdings Pty Ltd Services Pty Ltd Mose Tiziani Plant Operators Professional Training LimoCoach Pty Ltd Services Pty Ltd Sky Auto Import Pty Ltd Vittorio Fracesco Bertacco Mountjoy Public Transport Pty Ltd Lincoln Limousines (Aust) Pty Ltd Purcell Donald Murray Skylight Bus Lines Pty Ltd VJ, PM & PV Newman Pty Ltd MP & DG Johnston Pty Ltd Linda Wang Trading as Mason Tour Purtill Brothers Nominees Pty Ltd SL Group Corporation Pty Ltd W B & LD Roberts Pty Ltd Mr Pinball Australia Pty Ltd Lindsay Bennett Qi Lin Smith Eustace Lyndon W Christian (Terang) Pty Ltd Mr Whippy Limousines Pty Ltd Lionel Gillman Pty Ltd Quince’s Scenicruisers Pty Ltd Snowy Mountains Rider Tours Pty. W R L Management Pty Ltd Mt Hotham Resort Management Board Limited Little’s Gippsland Coaches Pty Ltd R D & R C Down Pty Ltd W. & P. Johnson Holdings Pty. Ltd. Mt Zero Holdings Pty Ltd Snowy River Bus Lines Pty Ltd Lizelle Pty Ltd R H & J Whitmore Pty Ltd W.B.L. PTY LIMITED Mulwala Water Ski Club Ltd South East Coaches Pty Ltd LJ & BJ Knights Pty Ltd R T Moorhead Walid Al-Kantar Murray Grant Nominees Pty Ltd Southern Horizon International Pty Ltd Lodges Bus Service Pty Ltd Raymond Arthur Saxton Waltipp Pty Limited Australia Pty Limited Spencer Carolyn Anne Lorna Grace Graham Raymond Brown Wangaratta Coachlines Pty Ltd Murrell Enterprises Pty Ltd Sr Sylvia Ann Williams Loxton Rodney Frederick Raymond Paul Webster Warrnambool Bus and Motor Company N & T Akdemir Nominees Pty Ltd Starbus Shuttle Pty Ltd Pty Ltd Lucky Country Coaches Proprietary REAL (Aust) Pty Ltd Limited N J & G P Ham Pty Ltd Stephen Holmes Enterprises Pty Ltd Wartook Haulage Pty Ltd Reeack Pty Ltd Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian Nankervis Kenneth Albert Stephen John Waixel Wayne Askwith District Regal Force Pty Ltd Neale Guthrie Steven Grey Koch Wayne Gunn Lynette Hauptman Reilly Geelong Pty Ltd Neil Charles Sander Steven William Laing Wayne Haddon Jones Lyngcoln Alan Francis Res Judicata Pty Ltd Nicholas John Cuthbertson Stirling Experience Pty Ltd WB & AK Davies Pty Ltd Lynne Bishop Reyipo Pty Ltd Nilan. S. Perera Stuart Ray Jasper Wendy Anne Eppelstun M & C Lockwood Pty Ltd Richard Acquisto Njernda Aboriginal Corporation Sunbury Bowling Club Incorporated Wendy Kaye Abraham M E Heard Pty Ltd Richard Uden No 35 High Street Pty Ltd Sunraysia Bus Lines Pty Ltd Whitehead’s Tours Pty Ltd M T & E J Johnson Pty Ltd Riverside Corporation Pty Ltd Noel John Cooper Surine Bernard Cooray Wild Wombat Escapes Pty Ltd M. E. Powers Pty Ltd RJPW Services Pty Ltd Noleen Patricia Gigliotti Susan Gaye Perry Willis Kenneth George M.P.O Pty Ltd RN JA & GN Magor Pty Ltd Norman James Watson Sutherland Ian Reginald Wing’s Coach Travel Pty Ltd Macmore Holdings Pty Ltd Robert Alan Steel Nosboc Nominees Pty Ltd Swagman Outback Safaris Pty Ltd Wodonga Charter Specialists Pty Ltd Madeline Isabelle Larkin Robert Alexander McCoy Nuline Charter Pty Ltd Swan Hill Bus Lines Pty Ltd Wood Bus and Coach Services Pty Ltd MahBean Pty Ltd Robert Graham Pumpa Nullawil Motor’s Pty Ltd T S & W M Rivett Pty Ltd Wynyard Bus Lines Pty Ltd Mahony Transport Pty Ltd Robert James Hadden O’Connell’s Omeo Bus Services Pty Ltd Tait Richard Paul Xiaojiang Chen Mansfield Mt Buller Bus Lines Pty Ltd Robert John Heard O’Meara Jeffrey Talfound Pty Ltd Xiaowei Chen Mark Allan Jeffrey Summers Robert Kerry Champness O’Neill’s Bus Lines Pty. Ltd. Talon Holdings Pty Ltd Yackandandah Bus Lines Pty Ltd Mark Andrew Aitken Robyn Anne Davies O’Shannessy’s Sorrento Travel Pty Ltd Tarenberg Pty Ltd Yandea Pty Ltd Mark Andrew Baxter Ronald Arthur Burtonclay Oke’s Bus Lines Pty Ltd Terence Albert Peters Yarra Valley Capers Pty Ltd Mark Heinsen Ronald John Stanton Olaf Heinrich Stecher Terence Patrick Adair Yea Bus Lines Pty Ltd Mark Robert Dellavedova Ronald Wayne Carrison Organ’s Bus Service Pty Ltd Terry Kennedy Yi Fei Australia Pty Ltd Ronny Coach Tours Pty Ltd Marke Enterprises Pty Ltd Ouyen Hotel Pty Ltd Zaffina Bus Lines Pty Ltd

10 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS Number plates for accredited bus operators

The following transitional arrangements Transport Act 1985 (Cth), to display 10 of the BSR requires are in place for bus operators who were accredited bus operator number plates. accredited operators to display accredited under the Public Transport However, a general condition of Competition Act 1995 (Vic) (PTCA) and accredited bus operator number accreditation declared by the Safety subsequently deemed accredited when the Director under section 34(2) of the plates on each of the buses that are BSA came into force on 31 December 2010: BSA requires accredited bus operators registered in Victoria. • Bus operators whose buses currently to display their Victorian accreditation display AC or SO number plates may number on each bus that does not display The term ‘accredited bus operator number continue to display these number plates accredited bus operator number plates. plates’ is defined under regulation 4 as until the bus is decommissioned. Please The accreditation number must be displayed: number plates authorised by the Safety note that AC or SO number plates may Director and issued by VicRoads for display not be transferred to a different bus. • adjacent to the front loading door at a on a bus used by an accredited operator. height clearly visible to passengers • Bus operators whose buses currently The Safety Director has authorised VicRoads display personalised number plates • in letters and numbers of at least 50 mm to only issue accredited bus operator may continue to display them on those in height, of proportional breadth and in number plates displaying the words: buses until the bus operator becomes a colour that is clearly visible. • ‘accredited bus’ and four numerals accredited under the BSA or to 31 It is an offence for a person to display followed with a suffix of AO, or December 2015, whichever occurs first. accredited bus operator number plates on • ‘accredited bus service’ and a prefix There is no requirement for buses a bus unless the person is accredited under of two letters followed by two numerals registered in another state or territory, Part 4 of the BSA to operate a commercial and a suffix of two letters. or in Victoria under the Interstate Road or local bus service. Number plates for registered bus operators Operators registered under the BSA are required to display standard VicRoads issue number plates. Operators previously accredited under the PTCA who now hold bus operator registration under the BSA should be using standard VicRoads-issued number plates on buses in operation, rather than NC plates.

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 11 Welcome onboard!

What did the role involve? What has attracted you to the BSCO role? Eve: My role as a BSAO mainly involved the Eve: What attracted me most to the assessment of bus operator applications role was the opportunity to apply the for accreditation and registration in investigative and auditing skills I gained accordance with the Bus Safety Act 2009 The new BSCO recruits, Chris and Eve in my previous role. Having extensive (Vic) and Bus Safety Regulation 2010 experience in dealing with bus operators (Vic). A big part of my job was liaising and insight into their operations, it seemed with applicants directly in regards to their a natural progression for me. Recently we welcomed Chris Finnerty applications. The role was both challenging and rewarding and I enjoyed it very much. Chris: A couple of things attracted me to the and Eve Caracciolo to the bus safety role. First off I have really enjoyed working Chris: I was a senior compliance compliance officer B( SCO) team. Let’s in the regulation of commercial passenger investigations officer, which involved transport and see the work as important find out where they have come from, undertaking investigations, audits and in ensuring we have safe public transport. why they joined the team and what compliance operations of commercial Secondly, the role gives me the opportunity passenger vehicle operators and drivers. they enjoy doing outside work. to move and work in the regional area where What region will you be looking after at TSV? I grew up and my extended family lives. Where were you working immediately before starting as a BSCO? Eve: I will be attending to the south eastern What do you enjoy doing outside work? region, which covers the area from St. Kilda Eve: I was working as a bus safety to French Island. Eve: I enjoy dancing, keeping fit, and assessment officer (BSAO) for just over spending time with friends and family. Chris: I am based at the VicRoads office in three years in the Bus Accreditation and Bendigo looking after the Lodden - Mallee Chris: I love on and off road motorbike riding. Registration team. region. This covers Bendigo to Horsham I have done a number of motorbike tours Chris: I worked at the Taxi Services and the Victorian/South Australian border through much of Australia and South East Commission (formerly known as the up to Mildura and back along the Murray Asia. I also enjoy spending time with my Victorian Taxi Directorate). River to Echuca. young family.

RSI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the more manoeuvrability in a wider range of Bus Association Victoria Inc. It has 150 driving situations. The use of lighter and registered bus inspection premises stronger body materials which are more throughout Victoria, where it conducts absorbing of impact are keeping occupants more than 5000 bus inspections annually. safer in collisions. The use of fire resistant RSI is currently working with the Victorian materials is also further mitigating the Government on the Fire Mitigation Advisory risk of fire. I believe the next challenge the which looks at fire prevention on buses. industry faces is the issue of seat belts on What do you find are some of the most school buses and RSI sits on the working common safety issues with buses? group for this initiative. Some of the most common vehicle defects What advice or tips do you have for found on buses are: bus operators to ensure they have safe vehicles? • worn, faded or incorrectly fitted RSI’s Brett Gibbs emergency exit decals RSI believes that prevention is better than • non-operational interior and emergency the cure and that there is usually more than roof hatch globes, and one issue that leads to a catastrophe. Being vigilant with maintenance regimes and Interview with an operator – • worn tyres, mainly on smaller buses. Brett Gibbs, Road Safety Inspections continually monitoring and documenting Are there any emerging technologies which operating procedures is a major step in We recently had a chat with Brett Gibbs, will assist in bus safety in the future? avoiding the unthinkable. Operations Manager of Road Safety Advancements in steering, brakes (ABS) If you wish to know more about RSI, please Inspections (RSI). and suspension (airbags) have given buses contact Brett at [email protected]

12 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS School bus safety

students. They must also report to the become distracted by the behaviour of The beginning of the school operator if lights or signs fail. passengers. TSV has produced guidance Bus stops material about managing difficult year introduces a new group of passengers which may assist operators students to the convenience and A number of parties share responsibility for and bus drivers to manage disorderly comfort of travelling by bus. There ensuring bus stopping points are safe for (and potentially distracting) student are a number of parties who share students to board and alight. Responsible behaviour. The guidance material can parties include persons who decide be downloaded from the TSV website at the responsibility for the safety of locations or design, build, install, maintain www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au. students travelling on school bus or modify them, bus operators and bus Capacity of school buses services and they must consider drivers (as bus safety workers). Each of these responsible parties must meet their School bus operators are required to and manage the associated risks. safety duties regarding bus stops. determine the maximum number of passengers that may safely be carried on Below is a summary of some risks that Student distraction their buses and ensure that drivers are may be expected. All parties who share Students have a duty of care to ensure aware of that number. a risk management responsibility should they do not harm themselves or others. work together to identify and control Student distraction may cause a loss of Operators should ensure that buses do not all risks associated with the provision of situational awareness and result in injury carry more students than the maximum school bus services. or worse (as has been observed in other number of passengers that can safely be carried. If extenuating circumstances Boarding/alighting safety transport modes). require the number of students carried Complying lights and signs Boarding and alighting behaviours to exceed the determined number on a It is critical to the safety of students boarding TSV regularly receives reports of once-off basis, the risks to safety must be and alighting school buses that other road passengers being injured due to slips, trips managed effectively. users are aware of their presence. To alert or falls when boarding or alighting from Persons who decide on routes and student other drivers that students may be in the buses. Again, the responsibility for ensuring numbers to be carried should be aware of vicinity, regulation 7 of the BSR requires a safe boarding or disembarkation process the capacity of each bus they intend to use that school buses are fitted with lights and is shared among a number of parties, and plan not to exceed it. signs that comply with Division 18 of the including those responsible for bus stops, Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009, those responsible for bus maintenance, bus Risk management administered by VicRoads. drivers and passengers. These parties are The risks of carrying students need to be Operators should ensure that lights and also responsible for drawing a potential risk managed by the people best placed to signs are serviced prior to buses being used to the attention of the person best placed manage them and it should be noted that to provide school bus services. Operators to control it or who ‘owns’ the risk. this is not necessarily bus operators. must have mechanisms for drivers to En-route safety TSV has produced guidance material report unserviceable lights or signs and Driver distraction about managing the risks to bus safety. processes to ensure buses with these faults This document is important for all people are not used until any faults are rectified. As bus safety workers, bus drivers must who may have responsibilities for the Drivers of school buses must ensure that take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of school bus services. This guidance lights and signs operate when a bus is safety of persons who may be affected by material is available on the TSV website at stationary, picking up or dropping off their acts or omissions. They must remain www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au. focused on the task of driving and not

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 13 BRAVO ZULU Despite only commencing bus services Critical to achieving continuous In the second instalment of Bravo in the Melbourne metropolitan area improvement in bus safety, is the ability Zulu, we acknowledge the bus in August 2013, Transdev has hit the of a bus operator to: ground running. Within the first month of • investigate a bus incident safety investigation efforts of one operation, Transdev buses were involved of Victoria’s newest bus operators, in two serious bus incidents: • identify the factors that caused and contributed to the incident occurring Transdev Melbourne. • a suspected bus fire that was later and, most importantly identified to be overheating rear brakes, • put in place actions to prevent a and reoccurrence of the incident and • a mechanical failure of a bus rear door monitor the effectiveness of these securing mechanism. actions. Both incidents had the potential to be The Transdev investigation reports serious and the actions of the Transdev provided to TSV clearly demonstrate that bus drivers and operations staff at the time the operator understands the importance prevented more serious outcomes. It is, of quality investigations and using the however, the high quality of subsequent findings and outcomes to improve the investigations conducted by Transdev that safety of their bus services. we wish to recognise. TSV congratulates the Transdev Health Safety, Environment and Quality team for a job well done.

Preparing for the bushfire season

Operators should be aware of the • how a bushfire or threat of fire As the annual bushfire season general advice provided by the Country might affect their operations, Fire Authority (CFA) about driving when business and passengers. approaches, bus operators are advised there is a fire or threat of fire. They to think ahead and put plans in place Bus operators are reminded to revise their should also consider: bushfire back up plans and to communicate to eliminate or reduce risks to their • who they need to work with when those plans to their bus safety workers. bus operations. developing alternative arrangements They also need to consider how they will because all parties will be affected by advise passengers about any alterations Bushfires can occur anywhere but some any changes to routes or timetables necessitated by areas are more prone to fires than others. bushfires. If you operate a bus service in a high risk • which agency or authority can area, you need to think about what you provide general information to help For more information, please visit the CFA will do in the event of a bushfire or a high them plan for the risk and manage it website at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au fire danger alert. You also need to think • who sends alerts and updates during about what you can do now to prepare and an emergency and how they will have alternative arrangements ready to be receive them quickly implemented.

14 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS

VicRoads licence conditions

Conditions may be imposed on a licence While conducting safety audits, due to medical reasons, an offence, administration requirements or legal TSV’s bus safety compliance officers requirements. These are shown on a licence have noticed that some bus drivers as a code. The conditions will appear on have a variety of conditions attached the front of the driver licence card under to their licences. ‘Conditions’. A short description of the condition is listed on the back of the card. It is important for operators to ensure A full list of conditions is available on the that bus drivers can and do comply VicRoads website at www.roads.vic.gov.au with any licence conditions recorded on their licenses. Operators should include Drivers with an “I” condition on their this in their risk registers and, as part licences can only drive vehicles with an of their annual internal audit, check alcohol interlock device fitted. As a vehicle licences for conditions. They should also fitted with an interlock will not start unless have processes in place to ensure driver the driver passes the breath test, there are compliance with the conditions. implications for anyone else who may drive the same vehicle. Other drivers need to be As bus safety workers, drivers have a duty to trained in the use of the interlock and in a ensure they comply with any of the conditions condition to pass the breath test. placed on their licenses and to notify appropriate management representatives It is an offence for a person with an “I” of changes to these conditions. condition to drive a vehicle which is used or intended to be used on a road without an alcohol interlock device fitted. Any questions about driver licences or associated conditions should be directed to VicRoads. For more information, visit the TSV website (www.roads.vic.gov.au) or call 131171.

BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 15 Where to get more information Transport Safety Victoria 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne Victoria, 3000 PO Box 2797 Melbourne Victoria, 3001 T. 1800 223 022 F. (03) 9655 6611 E. [email protected] W. www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au Twitter @TSVsafety

If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please telephone Transport Safety Victoria on 1800 223 022 or email [email protected]. This publication is also published as a PDF on www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au. To subscribe to TSV’s email alerts, send an email to [email protected] View previous editions of this newsletter on the TSV website under ‘publications & forms’ (top right-hand corner).

Published by Transport Safety Victoria © State Government of Victoria 2014 Copyright in this publication resides with the Director, Transport Safety and the State of Victoria. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Disclaimer: This publication is a summary giving you general information on a particular topic, and does not cover all of the relevant law regarding that topic. This document should not be relied upon as a substitute for the relevant legislation, legal or professional advice. The information in this publication is current as at December 2013. ISSN: 1835-4505