STATE BUDGET MUST ADDRESS SCHOOL BUS ISSUE

The Tasmanian Bus Association (TBA) says next Thursday’s State Budget must address the need to reduce Tasmania’s ageing school bus fleet.

The Association says Tasmania has by far the oldest school bus fleet in Australia and the State Government must make a firm commitment to act now to resolve what has the potential to become a serious problem.

TBA General Manager Geoff Lewis said that the average age of the school bus fleet is 25 years.

Mr Lewis said the industry required a capital injection and a fair payment regime for school bus services and the forthcoming Budget provided the Government with the opportunity to demonstrate it was serious about addressing the issue.

“We have been discussing this with the Government for more than five years and we are now looking for action.

“The TBA recently had fruitful discussions with the Minister for Infrastructure Bryan Green. He was sympathetic to our concerns, so we are expecting him to deliver.”

Mr Lewis said a review, aimed at securing improvements to the school bus fleet and general passenger bus standards was due to be implemented by June this year.

“This has now been delayed for a further three years and the TBA is of the view that Tasmanian school children should not have to wait,” he said.

“Our community deserves standards equal to those applying in other states of Australia and the Government must take the lead.

“Currently, safety and accreditation standards are being maintained only through the efforts and contribution of industry participants.

“The reality is the newer buses are safer buses and Tasmanians are entitled to the safest possible standard of public transport.

“Capital support and improvements in pricing systems to fully reflect costs are required to achieve the improvements that the industry desires and that our children and community deserve.

“The TBA is looking for such a commitment from the Government next Thursday.”

“We want to work with the Government to improve bus industry standards, safety and employment growth, and provide the Tasmanian community with the best possible service.

“Hopefully this co-operative program will take the next step forward with a positive announcement in Thursday’s State Budget.”

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Contact: Geoff Lewis, telephone 03 6423 2611