JIM COX

Minister for Infrastructure

A Code of Behaviour to improve safety on and around buses has been developed for use in Tasmanian schools, the Minister for Infrastructure, Jim Cox, announced at the Metro GBE hearing today.

Mr Cox said a trial was conducted in six Launceston schools in term three last year by Metro in co-operation with the Tasmanian Bus Association, the Department of Education, and the Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources.

“The cornerstone of the trial was a code of behaviour for students travelling to and from school which clearly sets out what is acceptable behaviour and what is not,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox said the code was developed by a departmental working group, and has been agreed to by participating school principals, the bus operators, students and parents.

The trial had a positive influence on the safety and comfort of travel to and from school for both students and drivers.

“It is important to note that under the model all parties have a role to play and it is not just left to the schools or the drivers to implement.

“For example, the code of behaviour calls on parents taking their children to and from the bus stop to deliver and collect them on the same side of the road as they board or disembark from the bus,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Cox said school buses are one of the safest ways to travel to and from school, and it was important that all school bus users understood the need for good behaviour and habits.

Metro’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Sim said Metro’s bus operators were fully committed to making the code of behaviour work, and earning the confidence and support of the school community.

“Our drivers understand the importance of good behaviour on buses and how it assists them to operate in a safe manner.

“And there is nothing more important to our drivers than the safety of our passengers.

“For our part, drivers commit to respecting all passengers and their property, operating the bus in a safe and appropriate fashion at all times and behaving and communicating in a professional and courteous manner,” Mr Sim said.

In Launceston today, Brooks High School Principal, Warren Pill, a strong supporter of the initiative, said it was extremely important that students accepted responsibility for their own behaviour when travelling to and from school.

Tasmanian Bus Association General Manager Geoff Lewis said the model was developed through the Student Transport User Group of DIER. 

“This group comprises representatives of the Parents and Friends State Council, independent and catholic schools, the bus industry and the Department of Education and DIER,” he said.

“Some of our private operators have implemented a similar program on their own vehicles and it is very pleasing that following Metro’s involvement, the safe transport of school children in Tasmania is set to benefit from a whole of industry approach.

“Our aim is to have this model operating in all schools throughout the State.”