APPROACHING MANDATORY EDUCATION IN THE AUSTRALIAN BUS AND COACH INDUSTRY

The changing regulatory environment in which public transportation is provided has led to a need for different forms of bus operations and management. This paper discusses the introduction and development of a compulsory education program for bus and coach operators in Victoria, Australia. The Victorian Government introduced a new system of operator (manager or owner in US terminology) accreditation through the Public Transport Competition regulations (1999), which, amongst other things, requires individual managers and owners to successfully complete the Transport management Course in bus and coach operations. The development and introduction of the course is a significant change for the industry and exists in a challenging sociopolitical environment. As it promotes open entry and competition, the legislation will create new opportunities. The majority of operators who have completed the course have stated that they found it extremely helpful, useful and enjoyable. On the other hand, a "fear of the unknown" for some operators has resulted in resentment and aggression in a few cases. The paper describes the challenges of working with operators as they move away from a protected environment to accreditation.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Forum

  One Farragut Square South, Suite 500
  Washington, DC  United States  20006-4003
• Authors:
  • Taylor, Samantha Y
  • Button, Kenneth J
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Forum
  • Location: Annapolis, Maryland
  • Date: 2000-11-29 to 2000-12-1
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 528-549

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus transportation; Competition; Education; Education and training; Operations; Public transit; Regulations
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Education and Training; Law; Motor Carriers; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00804794
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 11 2001 12:00AM