The Point to Point Transport Commission is hosting free industry information sessions for operators of small buses across the state from 13 August to 26 September 2018, to help ensure they are aware of their obligations under the point to point transport laws.
The point to point transport laws regulate passenger services (and bookings for those services) provided in all vehicles with 12 seats or less including the driver. From 1 November 2018, this will now include services in small buses (between 8 and 12 seats including the driver), currently provided by accredited bus operators within the Bus Operators Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) that is regulated under NSW's passenger transport laws.
A/Point to Point Transport Commissioner Tara McCarthy said the industry information sessions were being timed to help ensure all operators of small buses have their necessary authorisations and safety management systems in place ahead of the 1 November 2018 deadline.
"When NSW introduced its new point to point transport laws on 1 November 2017, it was recognised that the impact of the changes would be significant for some of the state's bus operators and drivers," Ms McCarthy explained.
"As a result, it was decided to give operators of small buses until 1 November 2018 to comply with their obligations under the point to point transport regulatory framework. As we approach the deadline, it's important that the Commission is out on the road engaging with small bus operators now, to make sure everyone who needs to be is authorised by 1 November 2018, registered for the Passenger Service Levy and understands what is required of them as a booking service provider from a safety perspective."
Ms McCarthy said the information sessions will cover key elements of the point to point transport laws in NSW and their implications for operators of small buses, large buses (more than 12 seats including the driver) and operators of mixed fleets (with both small and large buses).
The sessions should also prove helpful for community transport service providers and tourism industry transport providers.
For more information, contact the Point to Point Transport Industry Contact Centre on 131 727.
Industry Information Session dates and venues
13 August 2018
Chatswood Golf Club, 128 Beaconsfield Rd, Chatswood
16 August 2018
Bonnie Doon Golf Club, 38 Banks Ave, Pagewood
23 August 2018
Featherdale Wildlife Park, 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside
28 August 2018
Cessnock Leagues Club, 1 Darwin St, Cessnock
11 September 2018
Parklands Resort & Conference Centre, 121 Ulan Rd, Mudgee
12 September 2018
Dubbo Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo NSW
18 September 2018
Lismore Workers Club, 231 Keen St, Lismore
25 September 2018
Goulburn Best Western, 77 Lagoon St, Goulburn
26 September 2018
Eden Fishermen's Recreation Club, 217 Imlay St, Eden