A first-of-its-kind roundable to address a spate of violent attacks on Queensland bus drivers has been announced by the State Government.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg announced the roundtable, which will include unions, operators, drivers, and other key stakeholders to tackle increasing concerns around safety for Queensland bus drivers.
“Violence against bus drivers is unacceptable,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“Every Queenslander deserves to feel safe getting to work, school, or home.
“We are focused on frontline transport worker safety and taking an important step forward to ensure we’re tacking this issue head-on, collectively. “Working together is the key to building a safer public transport network for everyone.”
Key topics on the agenda include:
- Overall safety of bus drivers;
- Facilities available to drivers;
- Safety screens and barriers;
- Potential legislative changes.
In addition to the roundtable, the Government is working with Sunshine Coast Council to address security concerns at the Caloundra Bus Interchange, with a particular focus on improving facilities available to drivers.
The roundtable is set to be held in the coming weeks, with outcomes to inform future safety initiatives across Queensland’s transport system.
Minister Mickelberg said the roundtable marked the first step in a broader strategy to enhance safety across the public transport network.
The announcement of the safety roundtable came as Sunshine Coast Council confirmed the rollout of a 12-month trial of additional late-night bus services for Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buderim, Sippy Downs (UniSC) and Palmview.
Tthe changes will see an additional 10 trips on route 616 after 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, starting tomorrow (18 July).
Both routes 616 and 600 will also be extended to service a new late-night bus stop only 180 metres from Ocean Street and the Maroochydore Safe Night Precinct (SNP).
Council Transport Portfolio Councillor, Taylor Bunnag said Council was pleased to be leading the charge on the trial to deliver additional services.
“The late-night service between Maroochydore and Palmview is a welcome transport improvement for residents and visitors who love soaking up the atmorsphere in Ocean Street.
“By bringing services closer to Ocean Street and expanding coverage, we’re making it easier for everyone; from students, to shift workers and late-night revellers, to get home safely and affordably.
“If people want to keep these extra services long-term, they need to get on board the bus and there’s a strong demand for these services, during this trial.
Minister Mickelberg said these additional services would help those out late at night to get home easier and safer.
“The existing late-night services in the area have already proven popular and these service improvements will help more people to get home from the Sunshine Coast nightlife precinct,” he said.
“These services will also help support local hospitality workers and who need to access their work late at night or early in the morning.“
