Bus and coach operator accreditation regimes vary considerably between the various legislative jurisdictions of Australia. The differences impose unnecessary burdens and limit the potential growth and performance of the industry by restricting cross-border portability of accredited operators. Mutual Recognition (MR) is seen as desirable by industry and government for breaking down barriers to cross-border portability. The purpose of this paper is to examine the developments so far and the future prospects for successfully adopting MR for bus and coach operator accreditation between the various bus safety regulatory regimes of Australia. It begins by tracing the legislative and regulatory backdrop that is partly, at least, responsible for the MR dilemma in bus and coach operations in Australia. It then examines the economic principles and European experience that prevail over this discussion, and traces the history of events and actions of various parties in shaping the quest for MR in bus and coach operator accreditation in Australia. After looking briefly at several implications and prospects for MR implementation, the paper concludes with a recommendation for an evidence-based and cautious approach. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217541.
Abstract