Kangaroo Bus Lines in Burpengary is getting ready for a big change. New seatbelt warning systems are set to become mandatory in buses across Australia.
These new rules, announced by Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm, require all new buses built from 1 November 2026 to have seatbelt warning systems installed. Existing buses must also be retrofitted with these systems by 1 November 2027. The government hopes this change will encourage more passengers, like in cars and planes, to buckle up.
A Safer Future for Bus Travel
Chisholm stressed the importance of working with the bus industry to improve safety. He explained that too many tragedies have happened on Australian roads, and the government is committed to making bus travel as safe as possible for everyone. Tony Hopkins, Chair of the Bus Industry Confederation, echoed this sentiment. He welcomed the new rules and said the industry is keen to work with the government to implement these changes.
Overcoming the Hurdles
While the new seatbelt warning systems are a positive step, there are some challenges. Retrofitting older buses can be expensive, costing around $2,500 per bus. Some buses might not even be able to be retrofitted because of how they were built. Another issue is that buses can stay in service for a long time – up to 25 years in some cases. This means it will take quite a while for all buses to have these new safety features.
Is This Enough? The Debate Continues
The announcement also sparked discussion about whether even more safety measures are needed. Some people believe all buses, even older ones, should have seatbelts. There’s also debate about whether bus drivers should be responsible for ensuring everyone is buckled up.
Lessons from Hunter Valley
The push for better bus safety comes after the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash. The government says it is working with the families of those affected and is committed to learning from this terrible event.
Buckle Up for Change
These new seatbelt warning systems will make a real difference. The government wants bus seatbelt use to become as automatic as it is on planes. By working together, the government and the bus industry believe they can make bus travel safer for all Australians.
Published Date 28-Jan-2025
Photo Credit: Kangaroo Bus Lines/ Facebook
