This time last year it felt like 2024 had come to a rapid close. Fast forward 12 months and 2025 has set new records for pace, with the latter months of the year rushing upon us. While for many it may lead to feelings of anxiety or panic, for the bus industry this means we’re all closer to another edition of ABC’s Bus Search Buyer’s Guide. And here it is for 2026.
It comes at a fine time, for one theme that’s defining the Australasian bus and coach industry as of late is change. From changing regulations on the way in 2026 to evolving technologies across the board and an improving number of people boarding bus services across the country, there’s no standing still. Throw in a new-look operator launching in November and there’s plenty happening in bus and coach as we speak.
It’s a fun exercise to imagine what the industry may look like in a year’s time. In just the past couple of months, Australasia’s largest operator in Kinetic has been acquired, its subsidiary SkyBus has launched in various new states, global force FlixBus has started its maiden runs across the country and new public transport ticketing systems are being developed, implemented and switched on across numerous states’ services.
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All of this occurred around the Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) National Conference to end the year, with a major story hidden within these proceedings. The return of the Bus Association of Victoria (BusVic) to the BIC fold as a state association member allows for the harmonising of the major bodies, ensuring the theme of unity is in practice for the sector.
“We’re just pleased to be in the BIC camp again,” recently announced BusVic executive director Peter Kavanagh told ABC.
“We plan to participate fully to support the national bus industry in all of its endeavours. We look forward to a bright collaborative future!”
To add to the changes, new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Nicole Rosie has outlined her latest approach to regulation and enforcement, with risk-based approaches set to be the flavour of her tenure at the body. In the same breath, leadership changes at the likes of Ventura in Victoria and Busways in NSW throughout 2025 highlights perhaps a changing of the guard within the industry at a variety of levels.
One thing that hasn’t changed drastically is our Bus Search Buyer’s Guide. It’s always a wholesome exercise to chat to the numerous vehicle manufacturers, HVAC, seating, door and parts suppliers at the turn of every year to recap their latest and greatest achievements within the local industry and cast our eyes ahead to 2026. With a milestone Bus & Coach Expo set to get underway mid-year in 2026 in Sydney, there’s a greater sense of urgency than ever before when it comes to product innovation and releases.
It all poses as a breakneck yet blossoming time for the sector. We hope you enjoy this year’s Bus Search Buyer’s Guide – a definitive bible for bus lovers.
Read more:
- Volvo launches new electric coach platform in Australia
- Metro Tasmania announces new CEO
- Global operator launches very first Australian service
- SkyBus begins new Perth Airport operations under new contract
- WA to switch on new tap and go payments
