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Change, as a verb, is defined as to make or become different. There are many things that have to change as a business or an individual. Bus routes, award wages, driver certifications … there is no way any of us can ever be finished with anything. While we are always learning, sometimes we need to take our own steps to continue with growth. For example, the theme of the 2016 Bus Association of Victoria maintenance conference was regional development – with a particularly strong focus on school bus operation as a means of helping to keep Victoria moving (p14). The Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Albert Park, Melbourne became a half-showroom, half-conference hall on July 7 and 8, as it was the venue of choice for this year’s gathering. BusVic…
BusNSW has announced online registration is now open for the Australian Bus + Coach Show 2016. The show will be held at Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park on October 5 and 6. While entry to the show is free and open to all industry participants, visitors are encouraged to register online before the event. BusNSW executive director Darryl Mellish says all attendees will be required to provide some basic details to allow entry and this is best done online before the show to ensure quick admission. “For this world class show to continue to evolve, it is important that we understand who is attending and seek feedback on how the show can add value to making decisions on the procurement of vehicles and other services,” he says. “We strongly…
The Tasmanian Government is committed to working cooperatively to improve passenger transport in Hobart by launching an independent report into transport options for the city. University of Sydney Institute of Transport and Logistical Studies Professor John Stanley has undertaken an independent report into passenger transport options for the city. Released by the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), the report’s findings reinforce the government’s position on the proposed Hobart light rail service. Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding says in a statement that while light rail has some future potential, it is not presently viable and priority should be given to other more immediate options to improve the existing bus and urban road network. He says government has committed to preserving the former rail freight corridor between Hobart and Granton for potential future…
Public transport customers in New South Wales (NSW) are being reminded to be prepared and patient if they are yet to get an Opal card, with paper tickets no longer sold or accepted. The last customers without an Opal card have responded well to the information campaign, with 350,000 Opal cards issued in the last month and 10,000 calls to Opal Customer Care just in the last two weeks. Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance is asking customers to be prepared. He says this is the start of a new and exciting chapter in the public transport system, as once an Opal is in a commuter’s wallet or purse, they don’t have to worry about it again. Customers who forget their card and leave it at home can also…
The Victorian Government’s hugely popular trial of all-night public transport on weekends has been extended until June next year. Premier Daniel Andrews recently announced a six-month extension to Victoria’s Night Network of trains, trams, buses and regional coaches. All-night public transport will continue to run through summer and autumn, ensuring people out for the night or working late continue to have access to public transport on Friday and Saturday nights. It will allow services to be assessed over a full 12-month period and help organisers plan for the massive line-up of events between January and June, including the Australian Open, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Comedy Festival. It will also ensure all-night public transport is on offer for the start of next year’s footy season, so fans who have…
Construction of a new state-of-the-art bus depot in Thomastown has begun, with a promise to bring better bus services to Melbourne commuters. Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny joined representatives from Whittlesea Council, Transdev Melbourne and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) on site recently to mark the start of works. The new depot on High Street in Thomastown will house up to 100 staff and 50 buses that will operate across Melbourne’s north. Halfpenny says this new state-of-the-art depot will be a base for up to 50 buses, 100 staff and better services for passengers across Melbourne’s north. The new depot is part of a $40 million investment to support delivery of local bus services. The State Government is investing $100 million in better bus services for Melbourne, including improvements to route…