Merger discussions have started between South Australia’s two bus industry associations
By David Goeldner | March 1, 2013
With Australia’s bus industry leaders heading to Adelaide this October for the Bus Industry Confederation’s annual conference, South Australia’s two industrial associations are looking at merger prospects.
The long-established Bus and Coach Association of South Australia (BCASA) and its more recently formed counterpart the South Australian Bus Association (SABus) have commenced discussions aimed at establishing a unified single industry representative body.
In a joint statement, both groups say they are committed to working with South Australia’s bus industry stakeholder through “forming united representation”.
BCASA Chairman Jim Scott says one industry representative body would lead to more consistent outcomes for all travellers, whether travelling by route service, tour and charter or school bus.
“We are currently in the process of consulting with our membership if and how best to proceed towards this goal,” Scott says.
SABus Chairman Stephen Lucas says a unified industry body will be able to work with all key stakeholders, including government, to ensure that a vibrant transport future is properly planned for and efficiently delivered.
“In seeking to unite into one industry body, we will be looking for ways in which more useful and effective transport outcomes can be achieved for all,” Lucas says.
If an agreement can be reached both associations would be in favour of a unified presence at the BIC national conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre, October 27-30, 2013.