Red Bus Services has taken out the 2023 Safety Award at the recent Bus Industry Association’s national conference in Adelaide.
The award was presented to Managing Director John Shore on October 30.
Sponsored by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the award recognises bus companies which put the safety of their passengers first and is awarded to eligible bus operators across the country.
Red Bus, which has operated out of Bateau Bay for many years, became eligible for consideration for the national award after receiving the safety award from BusNSW, the State Bus and Coach Association earlier in October.
The citation from BusNSW said the recipient of the Safety Award puts safety at the heart of its culture.
“Red Bus (has) been at the forefront of innovative safety programs for their drivers, mechanics and the travelling public,” it said.
“For two decades … Red Bus has delivered a renowned School Bus Safety Program to schools in their area.
“Designed for preschoolers … infants … and Year 6 students entering high school, … the program emphasises road safety through the Stop, Look, and Listen technique.
“The Know your Bus campaign brings drivers and mechanics together in a social setting and helps drivers to understand the maintenance process and the challenges faced by mechanics in ensuring safe and efficient buses.
“To improve safety for drivers … the Stay Safe program teaches drivers to avoid and defuse potentially violent situations.
“Their 24 hour Back to Base CCTV displays a live feed when a driver presses the duress button … enabling Operations to view what is occurring and … if needed … to call for back-up.
“To assist public safety, the company has installed Mobileye on 25 per cent of its fleet.
“This technology alerts drivers when pedestrians, … cyclists and motorcyclists enter the vehicle’s blind spot.
“This year Red Bus participated in a Zero Emission Bus trial with Transport for NSW and several partners that posed some unique challenges and required the company to develop robust safety procedures specifically tailored to working with ‘hydrogen’.
“These are just a few of the innovative safety programs introduced.”