TOP FIVE ISSUES WITH THE APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION PAGE 9 WHEN I RECEIVE MY BSA ACCREDITATION SHOULD I CHANGE MY BUS NUMBER PLATES? SPRING 2014, ISSUE 29 PAGE 15 PROSECUTION OF BUS OPERATOR PAGE 17 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 SPRING EDITION
FROM THE DIRECTOR 4 THE (FINANCIAL) YEAR IN REVIEW 5 DID YOU SEE US AT THE BUS EXPO? 6 OUTSTANDING FEES 7 TOP FIVE ISSUES WITH THE APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION 8 A BUS VETERAN STILL DOING THE ROUNDS 10 SUMMARY OF COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES 12 INCIDENT REPORTING 13 WHEN I RECEIVE MY BSA ACCREDITATION SHOULD I CHANGE MY BUS NUMBER PLATES? 14 NEW BUS ACCREDITATION AND REGISTRATION VIDEOS 16 TELL US WHAT YOU THINK OF OUR WEBSITE 16 REMINDER ABOUT NEW INFRINGEMENT POWERS 16 ANNUAL FEE INCREASE 16 PROSECUTION OF BUS OPERATOR 17 BUS SAFETY FORUMS CONTINUE IN 2014 18 CARRYING CAPACITY SIGNAGE 19 TEMPORARY CHANGING OF THE GUARD 19 RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE 19
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 It has been replaced by 1800 223 022.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
TSV has also been happy to be involved in The consequences of not complying with Welcome to the spring into summer the bus driver wellbeing project which is a the requirement to hold accreditation were edition of Bus Safety News (BSN). safety initiative jointly funded by BusVic, highlighted recently by the Melbourne TSV, Public Transport Victoria and the Magistrates Court. On 4 August, a NSW bus Quite a lot has happened in the four Transport Workers Union. The outcomes operator was found guilty of operating a months since the last edition of this from this project will provide valuable commercial bus service in Victoria without newsletter. information that will improve bus driver accreditation. The penalty imposed by safety and security. the court was a fine of $30,000 and an We have continued with our Bus Safety order that the operator publish an adverse Forum program which has been well In July TSV participated in the 2014 BusVic Expo at Moonee Valley. As well publicity order in The Age and Herald Sun received by all who attended. Most newspapers and the Australasian Bus & importantly, the forums have generated as contributing to panel discussions TSV hosted a stand where our Accreditation Coach magazine. A copy of the adverse good feedback from operators as to the publicity order is included in this newsletter. safety issues they are dealing with and how and Registration team was available to Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) can help answer operator queries about submitting Included in this edition of BSN is: them with improving the safety of their applications for accreditation. • an update on compliance and audit respective bus services. A more detailed Since the last BSN, registered bus operator issues and outcomes over the past year update about the Bus Safety Forum numbers have grown to more than 1,850. • guidance on the time frame by which program is given later in this newsletter. The number of operators accredited to operators of 13 plus seat buses must provide commercial bus services is now have their carrying capacity signage in over 200 and we are seeing a steady place increase in the number of deemed accredited bus operators submitting their • the top five issues with applications for application for accreditation. Remember: accreditation deemed accreditation ceases by law on • guidance regarding number plates and 31 December 2015. Deemed accredited when a bus operator must display their operators who delay applying for accreditation number accreditation under the Bus Safety Act • fees and penalty unit changes. 2009 (Vic) risk not being able to lawfully operate in 2016. I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter.
STEPHEN TURNER Director, Bus Safety
4 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS THE (FINANCIAL) YEAR IN REVIEW
IT HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR ONCE AGAIN FOR TSV’S BUS SAFETY BRANCH
ACCREDITATION AND REGISTRATION TEAM COMPLIANCE TEAM OUTPUTS: HIGHLIGHTS Successful prosecution of bus operator Operators accredited under the (Vic) (BSA) FYTD 126 Bus Safety Act 2009 providing services without accreditation. Operators accredited under the BSA total 210 Twelve field compliance activities resulting in 400 buses and their drivers being Accreditation applications in progress as at 30 June 2014 40 assessed for compliance against the BSA. Deemed accredited operators as at 30 June 2014 595 One compliance activity at Melbourne Airport which detected 10 operators Operators registered under the BSA FYTD 143 operating bus services without bus operator registration. All of these operators Operators registered under the BSA total 1,833 now hold bus operator registration. Registration applications in progress as at 30 June 2014 9 Five prohibition notices and one improvement notice issued as a result of Change in circumstance FYTD 183 in-field compliance activities. Thirty three complaints received and Change in circumstance under the BSA 379 resolved satisfactorily. Change in circumstance in progress as at 30 June 2014 11
Exemptions completed FYTD 2
Total exemptions under the BSA 2 AUDIT TEAM
Exemptions in progress as at 30 June 2014 1 OUTPUTS • Two hundred safety audits of deemed HIGHLIGHTS accredited operators. • Development of two bus safety videos • Conducting bus forums in Melbourne, • Three hundred safety audits of (available on the TSV website). Bairnsdale, Ballarat and Bendigo which registered operators. • Implementation of an electronic means were well attended. HIGHLIGHTS for accredited bus operators to pay their • Recruitment of a new bus safety • Continued development of the adoption annual accreditation fees. assessment officer (Sandra Gartside). of a risk-based audit methodology. • Changes to the accreditation application • Distribution of a joint PTV/TSV letter • Production of guidance material about process so that applicants can to all accredited operators who hold a unruly passengers. automatically surrender any previous contract advising them of the need to • Recruitment of two new Bus Safety accreditations at the time of applying for become accredited and the implications Compliance Officers. accreditation under Part 4 of the BSA. of not doing so by 31 December 2015. • Increased in-field presence at • Attendance at the BusVic Maintenance • Declaring and gazetting eight non- compliance activities. Conference and managing an exhibition commercial courtesy services. stand. • Participation in bus safety forums.
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 5 DID YOU SEE US AT THE BUS EXPO?
TSV staff at our eye catching stand
In the past, TSV has presented at the Expo He also took the opportunity to urge The BusVic Maintenance Conference but this year we also exhibited. deemed accredited operators to apply for and Trade Exhibition at Moonee Our eye catching and inviting stand accreditation sooner rather than later. Valley Racecourse proved to be a brought to life the new ‘Get your A into G’ Meanwhile, Andrew Chlebica, Manager, accreditation campaign. Compliance and Information, discussed successful networking opportunity TSV staff provided guidance on the TSV’s vehicle safety inspection trial and for the bus industry. accreditation process, interacted with provided a recap of compliance inspections. industry stakeholders about a range If you missed the presentations, of safety issues and gave away handy you can download them from materials on topics such as safety duties, www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au maximum number of passengers, and drug and alcohol management. Stephen Turner, Director of Bus Safety, gave a presentation at the event, offering his perspective on the improvements and benefits of theBus Safety Act 2009 (Vic), as well as looking ahead to future challenges for bus safety across the state.
6 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS OUTSTANDING FEES
• PTV contract holders issued warning relevant change in circumstance occurs TSV has recently implemented letters - 57 regarding your accreditation, within 7 days a procedure for following up on • Suspensions issued – 37 of becoming aware of the change (Section 41 of the Bus Safety Act 2009). operators who have failed to pay their • Surrender of accreditation – 44 This may come as a timely reminder to • Letters returned to sender – 27 annual accreditation fees on time. consider the following: TSV will continue with this process to This process was documented in the • Have you paid your accreditation fee ensure all annual accreditation fees are last edition of BSN. within the past 12 months? paid by the due date. • Have you got a reminder in place for TSV has conducted the procedure twice Every accredited bus operator is required when your accreditation fee is due? If since its introduction, with the following to pay an annual accreditation fee. It is up you are unsure when your fees are due, results as at 14 October 2014: to the operator to ensure that this is paid please contact TSV. • Amount outstanding - $152,275.80 annually. • Are your details current? • Total amount paid - $105,017.60 Please note that failure to notify TSV of If you have any concerns or queries about • Payments in process - $513.60 a change in circumstance, such as an address, is no excuse for not paying your annual accreditation fees or would like • Total fees outstanding - $46,744.60 accreditation fees by the due date. As an to know when your fees are due, please • Warning letters issued – 183 accredited operator you are required to contact TSV on 1800 223 022. notify the Safety Director in writing if a
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 7 8 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS TOP FIVE ISSUES WITH THE APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION
2. Maintenance • the degree of harm that would result if While processing in excess of 500 A number of applicants have documented the hazard or risk eventuated applications from deemed accredited within the maintenance procedure that a • what they know, or ought reasonably operators, TSV has identified the top table of service intervals and types has to know, about the hazard or risk and been developed. As this is documented any ways of eliminating or reducing the five most common mistakes made by within the applicant’s procedures, TSV will hazard or risk applicants. The list below has been ask for evidence of the table of service • the availability and suitability of ways to compiled to help operators submit intervals and types. eliminate or reduce the hazard or risk a ‘complete’ application that can be 3. Accountabilities and authorities (MMS) • the cost of eliminating or reducing the processed without delay. Applicants are required to provide evidence hazard or risk. of a system for ensuring that all bus safety The applicant must also be able to 1. National Police Certificate workers named within the Maintenance demonstrate that changes which may All “relevant persons” within an entity Management System are made aware of affect the safety of bus operations are are required to provide a current National their responsibilities under the Bus Safety identified and managed as part of their Police Certificate which is to be obtained Act 2009 (Vic) (BSA). This includes both hazard and risk management practices. internal and external bus safety workers. through Victoria Police. To be current, the The following issues have been identified: police certificate issue date must be within A number of applicants have not provided six months of the date of application. evidence of external bus safety workers • applicants are not providing evidence of being made aware of their responsibilities hazard, risk and change management A relevant person is: under the BSA. • applicants are providing risk registers • if the applicant is a natural person. 4. Bus safety worker competence (MMS) which document the identified risk, • if the applicant is a partnership, a cause and controls. However, the An applicant must provide evidence of a partner who is concerned, or takes part, likelihood, consequence and risk rating is system for ensuring that each person who in the management of the activities to left blank has a role under the MMS is appropriately which the application relates. trained and has the required competence • applicants are providing a risk register, • if the applicant is an unincorporated to perform that role. but no evidence as to how the likelihood, body or association other than a consequence or risk rating has been partnership, a member of the committee A number of applicants who have internal identified of management of the body or bus safety workers within the MMS are neglecting to provide evidence of a system • applicants are providing a risk association who is concerned, or takes register and risk matrix. However, the part, in the management of the activities to ensure the bus safety workers are competent. documented likelihood, consequence to which the application relates. and risk rating do not match the risk • if the applicant is a company, a co- 5. Hazard, risk and change management matrix that has been provided. operative or an incorporated association, An applicant must provide evidence TSV has developed guidance material an officer of the company, co-operative of eliminating risks to safety so far as (Managing the risks to bus safety) about or incorporated association. is reasonably practicable. If it is not the concept of ensuring safety so far • if the applicant is a body corporate reasonably practicable to eliminate risks as is reasonably practicable (SFAIRP). other than a company, co-operative or to safety, the applicant must provide This is available on our website (www. incorporated association, an officer of evidence of reducing those risks so far as is transportsafety.vic.gov.au) or can be sent as the body who is concerned, or takes reasonably practicable. hard copy by contacting us on 1800 223 022. part, in the management of the activities In determining what is or was reasonably When submitting an application for bus to which the application relates. practicable in relation to ensuring the safety operator accreditation, please ensure that all The application form states that the of his or her bus operations, an applicant processes, forms and policies are submitted. police certificate must be an original. TSV, must have processes that consider: TSV will ask for evidence of any documentation however, will accept a certified copy. • the likelihood of the hazard or risk referred to within your systems. concerned eventuating
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 9 A BUS VETERAN STILL DOING THE ROUNDS
Just two years later he won a second With a career in the bus industry contract to Echuca and got a foothold spanning almost four decades, Allan into the bus industry. Weeks of Kyabram is well and truly a Allan fondly remembers his time doing school runs. veteran. He has had three school bus “As the driver, you build a rapport with contracts, with the last one continuing kids. They respond to you and they develop for 37 years. a level of respect for authority, which continues into adulthood. Grandchildren A motor mechanic and farmer, Allan of those who I drove around decades ago started off with school buses in 1975, still refer to me as Mr Weeks!” Allan said. transporting senior students on a 41 seater 1963 Bedford bus to and from school and There is no shortage of highlights from on the occasional charter. his long career. He was the first person to provide an air-conditioned, seat belted When Allan thought back on his early days, bus for Kyabram school children, and the he reflected that “school buses were the first to provide a hire and drive bus service way to go – guaranteed work”. in Kyabram.
10 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS One of the early school buses operated by Allan
In 1982, he bought a 49 passenger Bedford “The bigger operators are buying the “I would say private schools are probably vam bus and set it up with four pens to smaller operators out. However the little the biggest bus customers these days in cart deer, emus and ostriches around operators are the most reliable operators, rural areas. Victoria and interstate. He would travel often servicing their vehicles to a higher “However there is a shortage of bus drivers from Kyabram to Margaret River, Western level. Knowing the parents also helps with in country Victoria – they are scarcer than Australia, (a distance of 3,800 kms) in the discipline and the kids appreciate hen’s teeth,” Allan said. 44 hours with two drivers non-stop. That having one constant driver. At the tender age of 72, Allan is still involved vehicle completed a total of 180,000 kms “I also have a gripe with some red tape before it was sold. in the industry – he operates two hire and these days, most of which is completely drive buses and fills in for other companies “The idea was that a bus has softer unnecessary. But the bus safety aspect is when required. He also finds time to work springs than a truck or a trailer. I forced air paramount,” Allan said. on his other love - vintage cars. through it and provided water in each pen. However, Allan is adamant that one thing I repowered the bus with a 160hp Perkins Allan recently received an award for his hasn’t changed – the importance of buses services to the bus industry and was engine and overdrive gearbox. This proved in rural areas. very successful – we crossed Nullarbor five inducted into the National Transport Hall of times,” Allan said. “Bus services are an absolute necessity in Fame in Alice Springs. regional areas such as the Kyabram district. Allan has his own take on how the industry The population will continue to grow and – which he has come to love – has changed that will drive demand for buses, especially over the years. after drought.
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 11 SUMMARY OF COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES
Since the last edition of BSN, TSV has, in conjunction with Victoria Police, Victorian WorkCover Authority, Parks Victoria and VicRoads, conducted compliance inspections at Colac, Moggs Creek, Moe, Mt Buller and Port Campbell.
Compliance operation at Mt Buller
Failing to have fire extinguishers tested Bus operator - within the required timeframe was the most Matter Accredited Registered bus not accredited Total common area of operator non-compliance. bus operator operator or registered The table below details the outcomes of the compliance activities conducted between Number of buses inspected 51 10 1 62 April and August 2014 and the non- Fire extinguisher not maintained in compliances identified. an operating condition 15 4 1 20
TSV is following up these non-compliances No emergency management plan 1 N/A N/A 1 with the applicable bus operators. Where a non-compliance is found, bus No carrying capacity signage 5 0 N/A 5 operators and bus safety workers may be subject to enforcement action that Defective tyres 3 0 0 3 ranges from fines and defect notices, to improvement and prohibition notices. Drivers’ licence / driver accreditation issues 2 0 1 3
Work diary issues 3 1 N/A 4
Improvement Notice 0 0 0 0
Prohibition Notice 1 0 0 1 12 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS INCIDENT REPORTING
If the bus incident warrants an investigation The Safety Director uses the information Bus operators have an obligation the Safety Director can conduct an contained in the investigation reports under the Bus Safety Regulations 2010 investigation himself or may direct the to determine whether there is a safety bus operator to conduct an investigation concern that needs to be communicated to (Vic) to report bus incidents to TSV. into the incident and provide the Safety the bus industry and to understand issues Director with the investigation report. broadly to improve safety outcomes. The investigation report must contain a Incident investigation reports can now description of the incident, an analysis of its be accessed from the ‘Incidents and causes and recommendations to prevent a investigations’ section of the TSV website. repeat occurring. Bus operators should take the opportunity If a bus operator is directed to conduct an to view these reports as they may assist investigation, the investigation report is in managing the risks associated with generally required to be provided to the operating a bus service. Safety Director within 60 days of the date the direction was given.
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 13 WHEN I RECEIVE MY BSA ACCREDITATION SHOULD I CHANGE MY BUS NUMBER PLATES?
TSV HAS RECENTLY RESPONDED TO A NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES FROM BUS OPERATORS REGARDING THE DISPLAY OF ‘ACCREDITED BUS OPERATOR’, ‘AO’, ‘AC’ AND ‘SO’ NUMBER PLATES.
While these enquiries have mainly come As described in TSV’s policy, the Director, Scenario 1 from deemed accredited bus operators Transport Safety has only authorised A deemed accredited bus operator transitioning to accreditation under the ‘AO’ and the new ‘Accredited Bus Service’ currently operates a bus which displays Bus Safety Act 2009 (Vic) (BSA) either as number plates for display on accredited bus ‘AO’ number plates. The deemed accredited a ‘natural person’ or as a ’body corporate’, operator buses registered in Victoria. operator applies, as a natural person, for the following advice is provided to assist As a transitional arrangement until 31 accreditation under Part 4 of the BSA. all bus operators in understanding their December 2015, the Director has authorised obligations in relation to displaying Question: When the application for any bus currently displaying ‘AC’ or SO’ accreditation is approved, is the bus ‘Accredited Bus Operator’, ‘AO’, ‘AC’ and number plates that is currently operated ‘SO’ number plates on their bus or buses. required to display the new ‘Accredited Bus by a deemed accredited or accredited Service’ number plates? TSV’s Accredited Bus Operator Number bus operator to continue to display Plates Policy is available in the bus these plates until it is decommissioned Answer: No. The bus may continue to safety publications section at www. or disposed of (that is, when the current display ‘AO’ plates. transportsafety.vic.gov.au ownership of the bus changes). The following is provided to assist bus operators who currently own or operate buses displaying ‘AO’, ‘AC’ or ‘SO’ number plates.
14 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Scenario 4 A deemed accredited bus operator An accredited or deemed accredited An accredited or deemed accredited bus accredited as a ‘natural person’ currently bus operator disposes of a bus with ‘AO’ operator decommissions or disposes of a operates a bus which displays ‘AO’ number plates to a person who is not an bus with ‘AC’ or ‘SO’ number plates. number plates. The deemed accredited accredited bus operator. Question: Is the operator required to operator applies, as a body corporate, for Question: Are the ‘AO’ plates required to surrender the ‘AC’ or ‘SO’ plates? accreditation under Part 4 of the BSA. be surrendered? Answer: Yes, the ‘AC’ or ‘SO’ number plates Question: When the application for Answer: Yes. It is an offence under Bus must be surrendered to VicRoads. accreditation is approved, is the bus Safety Regulation 10 for a person to display (Note: Scenario 2 would also apply to an required to display the new ‘Accredited Bus accredited bus operator number plates on Service’ number plates? operator accredited as a natural person a bus unless that person is accredited to under Part 4 of the BSA who decides to Answer: No. The bus may continue to operate the bus. seek accreditation as a body corporate) display ‘AO’ plates.
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 15 NEW BUS ACCREDITATION AND REGISTRATION VIDEOS
TSV has produced two new videos about issues relating to accreditation and registration.
The videos explain how to apply for bus operator registration and accreditation and provide an overview of the legal obligations associated with being a registered or accredited bus operator. The videos can be viewed on TSV’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube. com/user/TransportSafetyVic For more information, including access to relevant documentation, visit the TSV website at www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au
TELL US WHAT YOU REMINDER ABOUT NEW ANNUAL FEE THINK OF OUR WEBSITE INFRINGEMENT POWERS INCREASE We’re currently undertaking a review of our As mentioned in the last edition of BSN, On 1 July 2014, fees relevant to accredited website and need your help! Can’t find the Transport Safety Victoria has allowed a bus operators increased. If you wish to apply info you’re after? Need more news? grace period until the end of 2014 before for accreditation as either a commercial or Take part in our two minute survey and employing new infringement powers under local bus service the fee payable is $529.60. tell us what you really think. The good, Transport (Safety Schemes Compliance and Once you are accredited, the annual fee to the bad and the downright ugly! Don’t Enforcement (Infringement) Regulations 2014. operate a commercial or local bus service is forget, the more feedback we get from Bus operators are reminded that the new $264.80 including the first bus and $72.80 bus operators and bus safety workers, powers will be employed by TSV Bus Safety for each additional bus. the better we can make it. Compliance Officers from 1 January 2015. You’ll find a link to the survey For a full list of infringement amounts, on our website homepage please refer to page 15 of the last edition of www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au BSN or visit www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au If you have any questions, please contact us on 1800 223 022. 16 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS PROSECUTION OF CITY SIGHTSEEING PTY LTD
brand is used by a variety of different At the time of the offence City Sightseeing On 4 August 2014, a bus operator operators globally under franchise Pty Ltd was not accredited to operate pleaded guilty to the offence of arrangements. City Sightseeing Pty Ltd is a commercial bus service in Victoria. not affiliated or connected with the City City Sightseeing Pty Ltd was previously operating a bus service without Sightseeing brand which operates globally. accredited in Victoria and in 2004 accreditation. City Sightseeing Pty Ltd operates surrendered that accreditation. We are commercial bus services in New South aware of our legal obligations to hold The following is a reproduction of the Wales. We are not affiliated with the accreditation under the Bus Safety Act adverse publicity order that formed part operator operating in Melbourne using 2009 (Vic) in order to provide a commercial of the sentence handed down by the the City Sightseeing brand. bus service in Victoria. We accept, in Magistrates’ Court. The Magistrate ordered hindsight, that we should have been more the company to publish the adverse On 4 August 2014 we were found guilty attentive to our procedures to ensure that publicity order in The Age, the Herald Sun of an offence under the Bus Safety Act the company fulfilled its obligations to hold and Australasian Bus and Coach magazine. 2009 (Vic) after one of our buses was used accreditation. We deeply regret our failure to provide a commercial bus service in City Sightseeing Pty Ltd found guilty to obtain accreditation prior to providing a Melbourne in January 2013. of Bus Safety Act breach commercial bus service in Victoria in 2013. By consent, we agreed to publicise the I am the Managing Director of City Miles Millington-Wallace offence. The court imposed fine of $30,000. Sightseeing Pty Ltd. The City Sightseeing Managing Director, City Sightseeing Pty Ltd
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 17 BUS SAFETY FORUMS CONTINUE IN 2014
Included in the forum program was an Other topics raised included the issue of On the evening of Monday 30 June analysis of the factors that contributed to, school bus lights/signs and when they must approximately 30 people from the and lessons learnt from, the 2005 Texas be fitted and operational, and how safety bus fire in which 23 passengers died. This issues with bus stops and bus stopping greater Bendigo area joined TSV’s presentation is available for download point infrastructure are to be managed. bus safety management team for from TSV’s website www.transportsafety. TSV’s post event survey of forum a very informative and interactive vic.gov.au by searching for “Bus forum participants showed that that half the session at the All Seasons Hotel, presentation – analysis of Texas bus fire”. forum attendees were registered bus McIver Highway Bendigo. TSV’s bus safety managers provided the operators, 33 per cent were deemed audience with: accredited bus operators and the • updated information about applying for remainder were accredited operators. accreditation under the Bus Safety Act Overall, the participants were satisfied (83 per cent) or very satisfied with the • tips and hints for preparing for a TSV bus forum format and the subjects and safety audit information covered on the night. As well • the most common non-compliance found as giving good feedback on the timing at recent in-field compliance inspections and venue of the forum, participants also and audits. provided us with a number of suggestions The question and answer segment of the for additional information to be included forum prompted many questions from the in future forums. audience. Matters such as the requirement After Bendigo, Ballarat was our next for sporting clubs to obtain bus operator forum destination and on 15 September registration before they operate a bus we hosted an equally informative seminar service to transport their teams to sporting for local operators. events and the operation of buses by social The remaining bus safety forum for this groups led to spirited discussion. calendar year will be held in Warrnambool The differences between commercial in early December. TSV will be sending out courtesy bus services and non-commercial reminder invitations to bus operators prior courtesy bus services were also explored. to this event. The TSV panel at the Ballarat forum
18 >> BUS SAFETY NEWS CARRYING CAPACITY SIGNAGE
On 17 July 2014 we informed operators, Further editions of BSN will provide more There was an article in the last edition via the TSV website, that they have until information about the development of the of BSN (issue 28) informing operators 31 December 2015 to display the safe guidance material. maximum carrying capacity signage in the of the requirement to display the safe Visit the TSV website (www.transportsafety. required manner. The extension will enable vic.gov.au) to download the Maximum maximum carrying capacity signage. TSV to develop guidance material for number of passengers fact sheet. situations where a bus operator may use its discretion to carry more than the number displayed on the maximum safe carrying capacity notice.
TEMPORARY CHANGING RECOGNISING OF THE GUARD EXCELLENCE Angela Barkho, one of our Metro Bus Safety We wish to congratulate Debra McNamara Below: Stephen Turner, Director, Bus Compliance Officers, has decided to have a who won the 2013 TSV prize for “Overall Safety, presenting the award to Ms year off (from work at least) on maternity best performance, Accredited Bus McNamara on 27 August 2014. leave. We recruited to fill Angela’s position Operator, Safety Management Course for for the period of her absence and are very Bus Operators”. pleased to announce that Sue Hoskins is the successful applicant. Sue has been a TSV Bus Safety administration officer since August 2010 and has shown a great deal of determination and persistence to obtain this position. If you previously had Angela Barkho as your point of contact with TSV, Sue will be your new contact. Sue is contactable via: Landline: 03 9655 6334 Mobile: 0417 791 951 Fax: 03 9655 6611 Email: [email protected]
BUS SAFETY NEWS >> 19 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]. gov.au 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 October 2014. ISSN: 1835-4505