Transport for NSW has launched 150 new school buses fitted with seatbelts, following recommendations of an independent taskforce to improve the rural and regional seatbelt program.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said the new air-conditioned buses would replace any dedicated school buses in regional NSW more than 20 years old.
“All dedicated regional school buses will be fitted with seatbelts by the end of 2021,” Mr Toole said.
“[This is] two years ahead of the Government’s initial commitment in response to the 2012 School Bus Safety Community Advisory Committee Report,” he said.
“This is great news for school children and families right across regional NSW.”
Mr Toole said 861 new school buses with seatbelts had been delivered to the bush, and 273 buses had seatbelts retrofitted as part of the 10 year commitment to improve bus safety in regional areas.
“School student safety is our number one priority,” he said.
“This is about ensuring students on a school bus travelling on unsealed roads, or on roads with a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour or more outside of urban areas can wear a seatbelt and doesn’t need to stand.”
Mr Toole said the Rural and Regional Seatbelt Program Taskforce was chaired by former President of the NSW Farmers Association, Derek Schoen with representatives of Transport for NSW and BusNSW forming the remainder of the Taskforce.
