New bus design rules introduced to prevent future tragedy

A new design rule to improve seatbelt wearing rates in buses and coaches has been introduced by the Albanese Government to help save lives on our roads following consultation with the states, territories and industry.

The changes come in response to the horrific Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023, which demonstrated the devastating impact fatal road crashes have on families and the wider community and industry calls for improved safety.

These new requirements for buses and coaches under the Australian Design Rules (ADR) will include visual and audio alerts similar to those featured when travelling by air, to encourage usage where 3-point seatbelts are already fitted. It also removes a loop hole that allowed some coaches not to be fitted with seatbelts.

Introduced as ADR 68/01 – Occupant Protection in Buses, these requirements will apply from 1 November 2026 for new models of buses and coaches, and from 1 November 2027 for new existing model buses and coaches.

While current data shows bus and coach travel remains one of the safest forms of transport, their size and passenger capacity can result in a greater number of fatalities and serious injuries in the event of an incident.

This new ADR is an outcome of the ongoing commitment to bus safety and co-operation with industry and states and territories by the Albanese Government. These new requirements are set to take the next step toward prompting passengers to protect themselves when travelling by bus and coach. 

This new ADR is in addition to other design changes introduced by the Albanese Government, including mandating of lane departure warning systems for heavy vehicles.

Further information on changes to the Australian Design Rules, including ADR 68/01 can be found here. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

“The pain caused by the devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley continues to be felt by the families and wider community 18 months after the incident.  

“Nothing is more important than ensuring people get home safely each time they travel on our roads, that’s why our government is doing what it can to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again. 

“That’s why we’re working with states, territories, industry and affected family members to identify and amend design rules to ensure people are kept safe by their seatbelts should the worst happen. 

“Travelling by bus is one of the safest forms of transport in Australia, and these new audible and visual signage requirements will ensure this continues to be the case. 

“These changes won’t just improve safety for new buses manufactured after November 2026, they’ll also set the industry benchmark standard for safety, which can be used to improve the safety standards applied for all existing buses.”

Quotes attributable to the Bus Industry Confederation Chair, Tony Hopkins: 

“Our industry applauds the government’s commitment to bus operators, the public and, bus safety on delivering the first in a series of outcomes to further improve bus safety for the millions of loved ones we carry every day.

“These safety outcomes further improve what is generally regarded as the most stringent seatbelt rules for buses in the world.

“With seat belt usage currently as low as 7% on some services, this provides a simple but powerful message, that reminds bus passengers to fasten a seat belt.

“After all, if a seat belt is provided in a bus it must be worn by law.”