As the year winds down for the industry, the Bus Industry Confederation National Conference looms as the perfect way to bring 2022 to a close
From Sunday November 13 to Wednesday November 16, the bus and coach industry will meet at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, Queensland for the Bus Industry Confederation’s (BIC) 2022 National Conference: Moving People – > Navigating Change.
Kicking off the conference will be an Australian bus panel consisting of C Suite representatives from national and multi–national bus operators, coach operators and Transport for Brisbane. The panel will deliberate on the current and future operational imperatives of the bus and coach industry and explore sustainable and effective solutions the industry can adopt.
Conference participants will hear from industry leaders, politicians, and bureaucrats, and have the chance to share ideas and collaborate on current and emerging industry challenges and opportunities. This year’s conference comprises fast paced and compelling keynote presentations, guest speakers, panel discussions and special addresses from a number of key politicians from the federal and Queensland governments. The program includes operational sessions that explore the relationship between driver and passenger, covering safety assurance schemes, industry best practice and service delivery. Other highlights of the conference include subject matter expert presentations on funding, asset management and contracts for operators transitioning to zero-emission fleets.
Delegates will hear from the International Association for Public Transport’s (UITP) North American Regional Manager Andrew Bata. Bata has dedicated his career to the design, development, and implementation of sustainable, accessible, and reliable urban transportation systems. Bata’s current focus is on enhancing public transit by championing sophisticated customer service concepts such as real time information and station design features.
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According to the CSIRO, Australia’s climate has warmed on average 1.44 degrees Celsius since the national records began in 1910. The world is going through change, and new technologies are being developed to curb harmful CO2 emissions and help protect our planet and future generations. Connecting cities, regions, and towns sustainably, state and territory governments have announced the introduction of Zero Emissions Buses (ZEBs) into public transport fleets. The ZEB fleets aim to reduce pollution, whilst still delivering a reliable, safe and effective transport solution for all Australians. Day two of the conference delves into ZEBs and the critical thinking needed to support viable and sustainable implementation, and to inform discussions with government on contractual arrangements. Delegates will learn what to do and not do when transitioning to zero, based on international experiences.
The conference will conclude with a panel discussion featuring senior executives from state and territory jurisdictions who will be asked to muse on the transition to zero-emissions and whether contracts need to change, the procurement policies for new battery electric and/or hydrogen fuel cell buses and what assistance the industry can expect when the reforms of the Disability Standard for Accessible Public Transport become legislation amongst other key issues facing the industry.
For more information, please visit www.movingpeople.com.au/2022. From everyone here at the BIC, we look forward to seeing you this November.