Mr. Hunter questions School Bus Services (SBS) regarding vehicle classes, licensing, rationale, and servicing considerations. The response details vehicle classes and defers licensing specifics to another department, while stating servicing is a contractor decision.

AnsweredQoN 505Legislative Assembly
Asked
20 August 2025
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to School Bus Services (SBS) in Western Australia, and I ask: (a) what are the current classes and types of vehicles approved for use in the SBS; (b) what are the different licensing requirements for each class and type of vehicles approved for use in SBS (e.g. D-licence for Costa buses); (c) what is the rationale for the vehicle class and licensing requirements applied to specific bus types within the SBS; and (d) does SBS consider the local or regional availability of mechanical servicing and parts when approving specific bus types for use in school bus contracts?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister for Transport
Response time
8 days
(a-c)        School Bus Services set out the following classes of vehicles that may be approved for use on school bus contracts:
·         Class A - vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 28 adults.
·         Class B - vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 43 adults.
·         Class C - vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 57 adults.
·         Class D - vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 15 adults.
·         Class F – four-wheel drive vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 17 adults.
·         Class G - four-wheel drive vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 25 adults.
·         Class H - four-wheel drive vehicle with a maximum passenger seating capacity of 44 adults.
The licensing requirements applied to specific bus types is determined by the Driver and Vehicle Services section of the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure.
(d)       This is a commercial decision made by the Contractor at the time of purchasing.

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