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The Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA) was formed at a meeting of bus and coach operators and their state associations on August 24 2009. On the 31st January 2010, APTIA was registered, under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, as a federally registered organisation. APTIA is the industrial arm of Bus Industry Confederation.

The Bus Industry Confederation has an Industrial Relations Working Group made up of representatives across the Australian bus and coach industry from small to large organisations delivering moving people services in a variety of tasks including public transport, school services, long distance and touring, charter and express services. The goal of the group is to facilitate an industrial relations environment by reaching an agreed national approach to issues in which our industry operates. 
About us
APTIA Council
The Council, elected at the Annual General Meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair, determines the strategic direction of the association. It comprises voting members only, made up of:

Tony Hopkins

Chair • Bus Operator Group

Tony Hopkins

A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.

Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.

Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country. 

Steve Heanes

Vice Chair

Steve Heanes

A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.

Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.

Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country. 

Rolf Mitchell

Bus Operator Group

Rolf Mitchell

A transport, tourism, and logistics expert and bus industry veteran of 40 years, Tony has delivered comprehensive passenger transport solutions for some of Australia’s most renowned bus brands.

Tony has served as a chair, president, vice president and committee member on the executive of various state and national industry associations for the past 14 years including the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Australian Public Transport Industry Association (APTIA), Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) and the former National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Taskforce.

Tony is an active contributor to the community and wider industry, lobbying state, and federal governments to create improvements for various bus operators across the country. 

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Read all news
  • October 27, 2025

Embracing unity – BIC’s new ED talks career and industry issues

The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) continues to advise and support governments across the country in the revision of bus safety requirement policies — particularly on dedicated school bus services. The BIC has developed a suite of operator guidelines and industry advisories on fire, passenger door, roll-over and seatbelt safety, for example, as well as submitted numerous […]

Read More
  • October 27, 2025

Embracing unity – BIC’s new ED talks career and industry issues

The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) continues to advise and support governments across the country in the revision of bus safety requirement policies — particularly on dedicated school bus services. The BIC has developed a suite of operator guidelines and industry advisories on fire, passenger door, roll-over and seatbelt safety, for example, as well as submitted numerous […]

Read More
  • October 27, 2025

Embracing unity – BIC’s new ED talks career and industry issues

The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) continues to advise and support governments across the country in the revision of bus safety requirement policies — particularly on dedicated school bus services. The BIC has developed a suite of operator guidelines and industry advisories on fire, passenger door, roll-over and seatbelt safety, for example, as well as submitted numerous […]

Read More

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Advocacy and Policy

The Bus Industry Confederation regularly responds to invitations from government departments, authorities, committees and inquiries to share its opinions or provide feedback informing decision making and policies. From time to time, the BIC also commissions topical research, further developed into valuable industry resources.
Below are the BIC’s most recent publications…

Economy

Public transport, in addition to providing significant social and environmental benefits, plays a key role easing city congestion, thereby boosting individual and economical productivity. We advocate for the recognition of public transport’s economic benefits, along with the inclusion of these in future infrastructure funding assessment.

Energy

Australia’s fuel security and the impact of fuel prices on household budgets. The role that public transport can play in providing a cheaper alternative to cars and in reducing the overall fuel use of Australians.

Environment

Policy development related to vehicle technology and the uptake of alterative fuels and energy, such as hydrogen and electric powered buses.

Economy

Public transport, in addition to providing significant social and environmental benefits, plays a key role easing city congestion, thereby boosting individual and economical productivity. We advocate for the recognition of public transport’s economic benefits, along with the inclusion of these in future infrastructure funding assessment.
Workforce Membership

Benefits of APTIA Membership

Aptia Partnership
Comprehensive apprenticeship and traineeship programs in partnership with leading training organizations.
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Skills Development
Industry-specific training programs designed to upskill existing workforce and prepare new entrants.
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Employer Partnerships
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.
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Skills Training Programs
Industry-specific training courses designed to upskill workers and meet emerging market demands.
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Leadership Development
Executive and management training programs to develop the next generation of business leaders.
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International Programs
Global workforce exchange programs and international best practice adoption initiatives.
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Membership
Membership Plans
BIC members are part of bus and coach’s solution providers, offering products or services to assist with connectivity and social inclusion, reduction of climate change, emissions and congestion.

Industry Statistics

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.
Membership
Chassis 
Supply Only
Chassis Supply A buggy type chassis (that includes all chassis related components)
$ 1,488.91 minimum per annum charge
$ 200.70 cost per unit sold over 10 tonnes
$ 148.89 cost per unit sold under 10 tonnes
*GST inclusive
Membership
Body Supply Only
Body Supply The structure and supporting components that are built onto a buggy type chassis
$ 1,488.91 minimum per annum charge
$ 200.70 cost per unit sold over 10 tonnes
$ 148.89 cost per unit sold under 10 tonnes
*GST inclusive
Membership
Complete Bus
Completed Bus (monocoque type) Supply Where one (1) supplier provides a bus made up of a body that
incorporates all mechanical components within the body structure (that is no buggy chassis was used
$ 1,488.91 minimum per annum charge
$ 200.70 cost per unit sold over 10 tonnes
$ 148.89 cost per unit sold under 10 tonnes
*GST inclusive
Membership
Complete
Small Bus
Completed Small Bus Either of the described Completed Buses above where the bus seating capacity is 25 passengers or less
$ 1,488.91 minimum per annum charge
$ 200.70 cost per unit sold over 10 tonnes
*GST inclusive

What is a bus?

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.

Manufacturing

Everyday, more Australians are transported by bus and coach on the nation’s road network than rail – even in our largest capital cities. Buses and coaches offer an alternative to the car, plus provide a vital lifeline to individuals and communities, promoting social inclusion and access to education, healthcare, employment and social opportunities.