Greens call for audit of bus safety

2017-09-20

Eastern Metropolitan Greens MP Samantha Dunn has called on the Andrews Government to immediately address concerns about bus safety on the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit system.

“TransDev has been busted operating unsafe buses. It is unacceptable that some of these buses have been operating at speeds up to 100km/h and in the cramped emergency lane on the Eastern Freeway.

"The Andrews Government has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to monitoring the safety of our public transport system.

"I call on the Government to launch a comprehensive audit of bus safety across Victoria and to investigate why the safety inspection regime did not reveal these safety issues earlier” said Ms Dunn.

Background

On Tuesday 19 September it was revealed that a spot check by Transport Safety Victoria of TransDev’s bus fleet found 33 defective buses, with 12 in such poor condition they were ordered off the road for urgent repairs. Defects included engine and transmission faults, fluid and air leaks, loose fitting panels and suspension faults. Transdev operates one-third of Melbourne's bus network, including the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit buses. Buses are the only form of public transport in the Manningham local government area.