The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) discusses how it is driving considered policy and regulatory change
We are halfway through 2022, following years of significant change and impacts to the Australian bus and coach industry. Heavy vehicle regulations, standards and national laws are undergoing their cyclic reviews, with three major reforms underway. Excitingly, the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) has been busy engaging and advocating on behalf of members and the industry with the Australian and state and territory governments, along with associated agencies on regulatory changes.
The three reforms set to impact the industry are the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (the Transport Standards), the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the Heavy Vehicle Road Reform. BIC will continue engaging and consulting with the industry to identify current and emerging challenges and trends in relation to these reforms. This evidenced-based and data-led approach will provide the thorough and informed advocacy the industry needs. It is more critical now than ever that we unite as an industry to guide and inform policy that ensures a sustainable future.
Led by the National Transport Commission (NTC), a review of HVNL has commenced. The NTC has proposed moving several elements of primary law into regulation. BIC has been heavily invested in advocating for the sector to ensure additional compliance and regulation does not further burden the industry. Our primary objectives are to see national law recognition of state-based regulations, no changes to driving hours, improved road access approval processes and performance-based standards for buses.
The federal government is progressing the Heavy Vehicle Road Reform agenda, conducting economic modelling on how road use is charged in relation to the recovery of road costs, and funding for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). Additionally, the federal government is running national pilot trial programs to measure road use by weight, location and distance. BIC acknowledges the reform disregards the current transitioning of bus fleets to zero-emission. BIC is advocating that any new vehicle charging frameworks are designed with consideration of the ‘switch to zero’ initiative.
BIC is a member of several federal government technical working groups and round tables. These working groups examine the feasibility of new and revised Australian Design Rules (ADRs) to determine the technical specification and impacts of proposed amendments. We have been advocating for additional width allowances for safety-related items such as rear vision mirrors/devices to assist with ‘indirect vision’, as well as other technological advances and signaling devices that improve driver and passenger safety.
We aspire to be the most effective conduit between industry and government, providing critical technical and operational advice to influence policy and regulatory reform.
BIC has been working closely with the federal government on the newly-implemented compliance registration administrative system ROVER. Early indications and anecdotal feedback from the sector has indicated the ROVER system has not reduced regulatory burden as originally intended. We have increased our advocacy efforts on this matter in meetings with the Minister for Transport and the shadow minister.
We have identified the imminent challenges facing the industry relating to the lack of relevant ADRs that apply to both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses. To deliver robust support to the industry, BIC is developing an advisory on standards and specifications. Our technical, environment & safety and zero emissions buses (ZEB) committees will be reviewing the draft advisory shortly. Subsequently, over the coming months, we will engage with our members on the draft advisory to collate feedback.
BIC’s National Conference is on the horizon, as it takes place from Sunday 13 to Wednesday 16 November 2022. The Moving People National Conference will be held in sunny Brisbane at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, Queensland. We are excited to engage with members and industry in high-level discussion on developing situations, challenges and opportunities. Several highly-regarded policy leaders will be presenting on key topics at the conference. This is your opportunity to meet industry leaders and consult on future challenges, needs and opportunities. We would like to remind readers that nominations for the 2022 National Industry Awards are now open. Please submit any nominations via our website (https://movingpeople.com.au/2022) by Friday 14 October 2022.
BIC members benefit from discounted event registration fees. More importantly, they have the opportunity to influence the BIC work program and our advocacy on important policy and technical issues.
Together, we can represent and advance the interests of bus and coach operators, manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of bus and coach transport in Australia.