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Move to reduce defects 1

The Queensland Bus Industry Council is encouraging operators to work with inspectors to reduce the number of defect notices

By a href=”mailto:ahickland@bauertrader.com.au”>Amie Hickland | September 9, 2013

A Queensland bus operator is working closely with local transport inspectors to ensure the number of defect notices issued can be reduced – and more businesses are being encouraged to follow suit.
The defect notices are issued by inspectors when they think a bus may be unsafe, and this gives the operators a chance to mitigate any issues.
A member of the Queensland Bus Industry Council recently invited local transport inspectors to go onsite and work with the mechanical team to help both sides understand what is needed, and more businesses are being encouraged to get on board.
Executive Director David Tape says now there is a growing understanding on both sides the number of defect notices issued each month should start to reduce.
“As an industry, we’re trained to be proactive and we want to work with the Department [of Transport and Main Roads] and the inspectors,” he says.
“It’s a win-win for everyone.”
During the visit, the inspectors went onsite and explained what they look for, how they look for it and why, while the operator was able to explain the bus manufacturer’s specifications and safety tolerances.
Tape says inspectors tend to “err on the side of caution” when issuing defect notices, which can place an unnecessary costs on businesses.
This can be administration costs as well as the cost of a vehicle being off the road.
“The defects that aren’t defects are placing an unnecessary administrative burden and additional cost on the industry,” he says.
“But if something is defective it needs to be defected – the safety of our passengers is paramount.”
In July 2013, The DTMR issued a total of 1,377 defect notices over public passenger services, school activity buses and urban services.
Almost 80 per cent of these passed the final inspection.
Tape is encouraging more operators to follow this approach in hope of reducing this number, and they are working closely with the department to help this process.

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