Hon Lynn MacLaren raises concerns about school students standing on PTA buses travelling at high speeds. The Minister acknowledges the practice but declines to enforce seating, citing compliance with federal standards and licensing regulations.

AnsweredQoN 3111Legislative Council
Asked
7 May 2015
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Is the Minister aware of the Public Transport Authority (PTA) transporting school students between Dampier and Karratha, and Dunsborough to Busselton at speed limits of up to 110 kilometres per hour, in which some students are required to stand in the aisles? (2) If yes to (1), would the Minister commit to enforcing primary and secondary students travelling on PTA Regional Route Service and 'School Special' buses to and from school on roads where speed limits exceed 80 kilometers per hour to be seated with no students left to stand, regardless of the buses passenger transport capacity? (3) If no to (2), what action will the Minister take to rectify this unsafe practice?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
17 June 2015
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Transport
Response time
41 days
(1) Yes.
(2) No. In accordance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Standards and Australian Design Rules, the licensed capacity of these public transport buses includes provision for standing passengers.
(3) Not applicable. These buses are designed and constructed to carry standing passengers and are operating in accordance with West Australian Omnibus licensing regulations.

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