22/01/2025
Yesterday, Kangaroo Bus Lines proudly hosted the launch of new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for buses and coaches introduced to improve seatbelt wearing rates.
Implemented by the Albanese Government to help save lives on our roads following consultation with the states, territories and industry, the new safety initiative aims to enhance seatbelt compliance through measures including the implementation of visual and audio alerts such as:
- An audible announcement when the door closes and bus moves for passengers to ‘Please fasten seatbelts while seated’.
- A label on the modesty panel or each seat back stating, ‘Fasten seat belt while seated’.
- A lit sign on the cabin bulkhead instructing passengers to ‘Fasten seatbelts’.
Speaking at the launch, Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm said, “Obviously, safety, when it comes to the bus industry, is really important. These are important changes that are going to add to the safety of Australian buses, and therefore, passengers and families.”
The new ADRs are in response to calls from both the bus and coach industry and community for enhanced safety standards.
“It was a proud moment for the KBL family to be a part of this important milestone in improving safety for our industry,” said our Chief Executive Officer, Darren Webster. “This new, additional safety measure will ensure that customers are reminded to fasten their seatbelts when they are aboard our new coaches.
“We thank Senator Anthony Chisholm for making time to come to our head office to launch this initiative, and Tony Hopkins, Chair of the Bus Industry Confederation - BIC, Jason O’Dwyer, Executive Director of Queensland Bus Industry Council, and the BIC team for inviting us to host the launch.”