❓ A parliamentary question raises concerns about the lack of a unified government policy on passenger safety for RPT bus contractors, with the response outlining the existing contractual and audit framework. The government defends its approach by highlighting improvements over the previous administration.
AnsweredQoN 1275Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is it correct that there is no specific Government policy provided to RPT bus contractors in respect of passenger safety and that contractors write their own policies on passenger safety?
(2) Is it correct that the Department of Planning and Infrastructure does not hold a copy of each RPT bus contractors’ passenger safety policy?
(3) Does the Public Transport Authority examine and approve these policies?
(4) Why are there separate policies instead of one across the board for all RPT services?
(5) What significant differences are there between the passenger safety policy in respect to Bunbury City Transit and Transperth?
(2) Is it correct that the Department of Planning and Infrastructure does not hold a copy of each RPT bus contractors’ passenger safety policy?
(3) Does the Public Transport Authority examine and approve these policies?
(4) Why are there separate policies instead of one across the board for all RPT services?
(5) What significant differences are there between the passenger safety policy in respect to Bunbury City Transit and Transperth?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 September 2006
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
30 days
(1) A specific government policy with respect to passenger safety is not provided to RPT bus contractors. Contractors write their own policies; however, there are contractual and legal requirements which they must adhere to in providing safe systems for the services they provide. It should be noted under the previous government there were no written contracts for town bus services, and our government has taken action to provide a proper administrative framework. (2) The RPT contracts are with the Public Transport Authority (PTA) and therefore there is no involvement by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure in such matters. PTA does not retain a copy of each RPT bus contractor's passenger safety policy, but PTA conducts regular audits of RPT contractors' operations which includes an inspection of contractors' safety systems, hazard reporting systems, depot facilities and buses. (3) See (2) above. (4) The RPT bus contractors are private sector organisations and have the right to adopt safety policies which suit their systems of work and their safety management plans but are required to meet contractual and legal responsibilities. (5) As is the case with RPT bus operators who provide Transperth bus services, the Bunbury City Transit policy meets all contractual and legal requirements.
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