Our industry has seen changes during the year, some may consider good, others may consider not so good. With such a fragmented industry it was always going to be difficult to create a level playing field.
The release of the Core Passenger Service Review (CPSR) has finally given the industry a framework in which it can work with. It has taken away misinterpretations, which created a lot of inconsistencies when decisions were being made regarding the future of our businesses.
New contracts for the rural school services with a consistent Bus Cost Model, has finally been introduced, with contracts being signed by most operators.
The CPSR recommended a total of one hundred and twenty two changes, with all except for one being accepted by Government, which will lead to passenger transport in Tasmania now being in line with most other states and in some instances elevating the industry ahead.
One of our major campaign messages was to upgrade the school fleet and it is great to see at least 80 newer vehicles coming into the state since September 2007.
General access operators have been in discussion with the CPSR team for some months, bringing all operators together to discuss their future contracts. Let us hope that all our efforts recognise the importance of passenger transport to the communities of Tasmania.
Now that we are starting to be professional in our approach to passenger transport, it’s time to also lift the image of our industry. We need to get away from this second class form of transport impression and promote a safe, reliable, efficient and cost effective transport option.
This year has seen huge efforts in dealing with the day to day issues of the Association together with the continuing lobbying of State and Federal politicians.
The forthcoming year will not be without its challenges, with the introduction of the changes to the urban fringe school services and improving the delivery of general access services.
One of our greatest challenges will be improving the image of passenger transport in Tasmania. We need to encourage the community to use all the services that our industry provides.
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Constant communication with all media outlets is also a part of enhancing our profile within the community. TasBus has gone onto the front foot to keep the community up to date with transport issues. It is important that we work in partnership with communities to provide safe and reliable bus services in Tasmania.
TBA Services has proven to be a great benefit to our members. Not only do we have some control over this critical part of our accreditation, but it is also contributing back to the industry by paying fees for the use of our member’s facilities around the state.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of John Eustace and the board of TBA Services for their contribution to the success of TBA Services during its first year of operation.
Geoff, as a Director of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, has been addressing the tour and charter issues that continue to impact on our industry.
We continue to improve our web site so that you may use it as a business tool and a fast method to deliver communication with industry updates and issues.
In closing I would like to acknowledge our retiring Directors Mike Seabourne and Malcolm Fenton, who over many years have given their private time and resources to represent the members of our Association. Our board and our industry will certainly miss Malcolm and Michael’s contribution and leadership. Appreciation also goes to Robin Holmes who retired during the year after many years in the industry.
I believe all the efforts of Geoff Lewis, the Board and TasBus members are now seeing the Tasmania bus industry play a larger role within the community and delivering the levels of service the rest of Australia receive from their passenger transport systems. The improved levels of service are based around a partnership between industry, communities, local and State Governments and we look forward to building on those partnerships throughout the year.
Once again I would like to sincerely thank Geoff Lewis for all his hard work and dedication that he puts into our industry.
PASSENGER TRANSPORT IN TASMANIA PROVIDES SOLUTIONS TO COMMUNITIES FOR A VERY REASONABLE INVESTMENT
Shane Dewsbery - Bubbles