The annual Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) national conference has begun today as the nation’s bus and coach industry convenes in Adelaide to discuss the most pressing issues facing the sector.
With BIC meetings getting underway yesterday, the official program has now started, with plenty on the agenda over the three-day conference.
The conference has been officially opened by BIC and CDC Australia CEO Tony Hopkins, with federal transport minister Catherine King also set to present.
In the opening session, urban futurist and former Adelaide Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood will discuss the urban transport network, with assistant federal transport minister Carol Brown to follow.
Following these presentations, NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto will close out a busy first session with a presentation on the bus sector.
In the afternoon, the big reforms session will take place, with National Transport Commission’s Aaron de Rozario to provide a Heavy Vehicle National Law update, before South Australian department of transport member Sally Todd will present.
Austroads general program manager Paul Davies will discuss national heavy vehicle driver competency framework, while presentations on hidden disabilities and enhancing passenger experiences will close out a jam-packed session.
The safety and BEV technologies session will feature a range of presenters from companies such as OTSI, Kidde Technologies, Queensland TAFE, Foton Mobility and Volvo Bus Australia.
The final session for the opening day will be on finance and future funding, featuring a range of banking, tax and government members, including an update on the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce.
A gala dinner will be held at night, with the annual BIC awards being handed out.
ABC will keep the industry updated with all of the latest developments throughout the conference.