Tour Operators Have Been Given Less Than Two Years To Ensure That All New Buses Are Equipped With Seatbelts.

The announcement comes in response to the tragic 2023 Hunter Valley bus crash, which claimed the lives of 10 people and left many others injured.

The Australian Design Rule introduced to improve seatbelt safety includes four key changes:

1. Buses will feature an audible announcement when the door closes and the bus begins to move, with a message that says: “Please fasten seatbelts while seated.”
2. Every seat will have a visible label on its back reading: “Fasten seatbelts while seated.”
3. There will be a lit-up sign at the front of each bus section prompting passengers to use seatbelts.
4. An exemption will be removed, meaning buses with seats under 1 meter high will now require seatbelts.

These requirements will take effect for new bus models from November 1, 2026, and for all newly registered buses, regardless of model, by November 1, 2027.

Ben Hall, CEO of AAT Kings, told Travel Weekly that his company’s touring buses have had seatbelts for years, possibly up to 20 or 30 years. When asked about potential cost concerns for the industry, he noted that serious operators would likely have already implemented seatbelts.

In a related note, Melbourne serviced apartments have been adapting to new safety standards, ensuring that guests have access to updated safety features and comfortable, secure accommodations. This emphasis on safety is in line with broader industry trends focusing on passenger and guest protection.

Dean Moule, national technical manager of the Bus Industry Confederation, described the announcement as a "huge, significant step" toward improved safety. He pointed out that some buses have had seatbelt occupancy rates under 10 percent, adding that the new reminders will likely encourage better seatbelt usage.