As a result of changes to Student Greencard requirements, the online application system has been updated for both New/Renew and Replacement bus passes. Those students who are eligible to apply for a free bus pass, should access the online application system at BACK TO SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN STOP, LOOK, LISTEN & THINK When school starts in February, about 30,000 primary and secondary students a day will travel to and from school using a school bus. Travelling by bus is seven times safer than travelling in the family car, but children are up to four times more likely to be involved in a road crash when getting on and getting off the school bus and crossing busy roads. Children are vulnerable because they lack judgement on estimating the speed and direction of vehicles. They are also more impulsive and take greater risks. You will notice a new television commercial and website () that encourages students to Stop, Look, Listen, Think before crossing the road when school returns and throughout the year. To further encourage students to be safe, a new version of the Stop, Look, Listen, Think bus safety sticker will be sent to you. APPROVAL OF BUS CHANGES Prior to the implementation of any vehicle change, all operators need to obtain approval from the Department PRIOR TO purchasing a new/second-hand vehicle. This will ensure the vehicle complies with all applicable contractual and legislative requirements and will prevent issues arising when attempting to add the vehicle to a contract. One significant requirement of note; all operators purchasing a bus to be used on a Rural School Bus service, please be aware that standing capacity is essential on all vehicles where the bus has a seating capacity of 25 or more. CAPITAL RATES The Capital Payment rates have been calculated for the quarter commencing January 2016. Please consider these rates before making changes to your contract. For all fare-paying operators the rates applicable to your monthly contract payment can be found on your Statement of Payment. OCT 2015 JAN 2016 Urban Fringe Student Only $1.67 $1.70 Rural Fare Paying $1.67 $1.70 Long Distance Student Only $1.67 $1.70 Long Distance General Access $3.16 TBA
Urban Fringe General Access $3.16 TBA $0.92 $0.92 Town $0.92 $0.92 BUS COST MODEL INDEX (BCMI) The BCMI has been calculated for January 2016 and is 118.3. NON-COMPLIANCE NOTICES the Black Box tracking system, the Department is now conducting regular monitoring to ensure that all services are operating to their contracted route and timetable. The performance standards in the New Service Contract state that delivered journeys must follow the approved route at all times for the relevant service. Please be advised that we will be issuing non-compliance notices for any service found to be operating contrary to the conditions of the contract. This may result in a reduction in performance payments and the recording of non-compliance incidents. WORKING WITH CHILDREN Please be aware that all school and general access bus drivers that hold an ancillary certificate to drive a public passenger vehicle will also be required to hold Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (WWVP) from 1 April 2016. The processing time for WWVP applications is six weeks, so please encourage your drivers to apply by mid-February 2016 to ensure that they can continue to drive beyond 1 April 2016. Applications can be made online via the Department of Justice website: STAFF UPDATE In early December 2015, after 3 years in his role as Manager of Passenger Transport and Delegate of the Secretary, Martin Grace departed for greener pastures in the north of the state. We wish him all the best in his new adventures. Babette Moate, whom many of you may already know, has now stepped into the position and we are very excited to welcome her to the team.