The Palaszczuk Government has announced it will slash the regulatory burden for bus and other public transport operators, to support the industry as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.
In a move expected to save operators more than $1.5 million each year and generate business for local automotive shops, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said from mid-2021, inspections would move to an annual basis and light public transport vehicles would have the option to be inspected at local approved inspection stations.
For operators in remote areas, the reforms will allow both heavy and light public passenger transport vehicles to be inspected at a local station instead of TMR inspection centres.
The reforms bring the industry into line with personalised transport services like taxis, limousine and booked hire vehicles.
“This move adds to our record $26.9 billion road and transport investment program, as well as support measures introduced during COVID-19 as part of a $54.5 million essential transport stimulus package,” Mr Bailey said.
To ensure high safety standards are maintained continued on-road enforcement and targeted operations will be used to monitor the condition of the public passenger transport fleet, anytime and anywhere.