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The BIC undertakes research and development

The BIC undertakes research and development initiatives to assist in the growth and prosperity of its members’ businesses and the bus and coach industry as a whole. Our research and policy program covers many areas including: cities and congestion, taxes, energy security, safety, health, social inclusion, bus rapid transit, fuel, zero-emissions and future technology.
Advocacy & Representation
Comprehensive apprenticeship and traineeship programs in partnership with leading training organizations.
Skills Development
Industry-specific training programs designed to upskill existing workforce and prepare new entrants.
Networking & Events
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.
Professional Development
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.
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Industry Updates
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.

The BIC undertakes research and development

The BIC undertakes research and development initiatives to assist in the growth and prosperity of its members’ businesses and the bus and coach industry as a whole. Our research and policy program covers many areas including: cities and congestion, taxes, energy security, safety, health, social inclusion, bus rapid transit, fuel, zero-emissions and future technology.
Advocacy & Representation
Comprehensive apprenticeship and traineeship programs in partnership with leading training organizations.
Skills Development
Industry-specific training programs designed to upskill existing workforce and prepare new entrants.
Networking & Events
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.
Professional Development
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.
Member Discounts
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.
Industry Updates
Connect with employers offering workforce development opportunities and career advancement.

The BIC undertakes research and development

The BIC undertakes research and development initiatives to assist in the growth and prosperity of its members’ businesses and the bus and coach industry as a whole. Our research and policy program covers many areas including: cities and congestion, taxes, energy security, safety, health, social inclusion, bus rapid transit, fuel, zero-emissions and future technology.

Committees and Working Groups

Our committees and associated sub-committees are established to assist the BIC Secretariat manage the range of issues and initiatives we undertake. The role of any committee is to advise or make recommendations to the Council, or to make decisions only where expressly delegated to do so. The committees, subservient to the Council with no executive power, have a national focus (as opposed to issues that are the primary domain of the state and territory governments).

Each committee is chaired by a BIC Councillor or suitably qualified industry member, and plays a role in ensuring national policy development, programs and initiatives (or emerging national issues) are managed, coordinated, and communicated to BIC members. Each chairperson updates the BIC Council on key issues and seeks Council approval/endorsement of industry policy positions or the undertaking of a specific program or initiative.

The BIC Council determines the composition of each Committee. Membership is open to all BIC members and is reviewed annually. Committees meet approximately three times per year on agreeddates. The work of the committees is showcased at BIC national and other industry events.  

Goals
  • To ensure that the bus industry views on government reforms are understood.
  • Implement advocacy programs to minimise added regulatory costs and burdens and reduce government red tape and prescriptive regulation.
  • To ensure that regulation and reform issues that will impact on the bus industry are dealt with by national and state regulatory authorities by considering “bus specific” factors rather than generic “heavy vehicle” factors.
  • To respond to tax, charges and infrastructure issues including road pricing matters as they emerge and to present industry views and agreed policy positions on these issues in submissions.
  • To undertake industry research initiatives with the aim of providing the intellectual and factual support for Industry advocacy objectives.

Goals
  • To ensure that the bus industry views on government reforms are understood.
  • Implement advocacy programs to minimise added regulatory costs and burdens and reduce government red tape and prescriptive regulation.
  • To ensure that regulation and reform issues that will impact on the bus industry are dealt with by national and state regulatory authorities by considering “bus specific” factors rather than generic “heavy vehicle” factors.
  • To respond to tax, charges and infrastructure issues including road pricing matters as they emerge and to present industry views and agreed policy positions on these issues in submissions.
  • To undertake industry research initiatives with the aim of providing the intellectual and factual support for Industry advocacy objectives.

Goals
  • To minimise the impact and where possible maximise the outcomes for Industry viability in relation to environment, safety or technical issues that might arise.
  • To generate an understanding of the environmental and safety record of the industry in order to minimise legislative and regulatory impacts on bus operations and bus manufacturing or associated businesses.
  • To lead the debate in relation to the development of bus technology in Australia and influence decision makers about the future vehicles and passenger needs of bus passenger transport.

Goals

  • Provide input into government policies relating to zero-emission buses and provide recommendations on sensible transition policies.

  • Ensure the adoption of good policy leading to appropriate regulation.
  • Ensure technical issues relating to bus construction, operation and maintenance of hydrogen and battery electric buses and coaches are understood to maximise safety.

Goals
  • Maximise the efficiency of the BIC as an organisation including effective governance systems. 
  • Ensure that the BIC Work Program is prioritised to meet changing circumstances and the needs of the industry 
  • Ensure financial and corporate due diligence are met in periods between Council Meetings. 
  • Ensure BIC staffing and resources are adequate to deliver Work Program outcomes. 
 
Policy and Regulation Committee​
  • To ensure that the bus industry views on government reforms are understood.
  • Implement advocacy programs to minimise added regulatory costs and burdens and reduce government red tape and prescriptive regulation.
  • To ensure that regulation and reform issues that will impact on the bus industry are dealt with by national and state regulatory authorities by considering “bus specific” factors rather than generic “heavy vehicle” factors.
  • To respond to tax, charges and infrastructure issues including road pricing matters as they emerge and to present industry views and agreed policy positions on these issues in submissions.
  • To undertake industry research initiatives with the aim of providing the intellectual and factual support for Industry advocacy objectives.
Long Distance, Tour and Charter Sub Committee​
Technical, Environment and Safety Committee
Zero Emissions Sub Committee

Advocacy and Policy

We focus heavily on developing evidence-based policies that go on to inform our advocacy, keeping us at the forefront of innovation.

Broad in our scope, we connect our research, policy and advocacy efforts (affecting active and public transport) with core issues such as the economy, health, wellbeing, land use and the environment. A significant part of our mandate includes advocating for sensible regulation and national law on heavy vehicle technical issues, how buses and coaches operate on our roads, workplace health and safety, and industrial relations.

Our research output incorporates economics, public and active travel, bus services, heavy vehicle design, and performance in the following policy areas…

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.

Governance

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.

Health and wellbeing

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.

Industrial relations

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

Land use planning

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.

Rapid transit

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.

Bus safety

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

Social inclusion

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.

Vehicle technical issues

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.

Publications | Submissions | Consultations

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…

Download
Harmonisation of vehicle lighting standards 2025 | October 2025
Download
NHVR Master Code of Practice – Public Consultation Draft | September 2025
Download
Harmonised ZEB Specifications Consultation | July 2025
Download
National Competition Policy Analysis 2025 | June 2025
Download
Driver Safety Screens Guide | May 2025
Download
DCCEEW Proposed IChEMS Standards Submission | May 2025
Download
NTC Review: Improving Health Screening for Heavy Vehicle Drivers | May 2025
Download
ADR Harmonisation Review Submission 2024-25 | February 2025
Download
2025-26 Federal Pre-Budget Submission | February 2025
HVNL Draft Amendment Bill and Regulations Exposure | 2024
Acknowledgement of our industry’s uniqueness is lacking within the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill and Heavy Vehicle National Amendment Regulations.
The inclusion of a distinct section specific to bus and coach would provide clarity and enable governments to clearly understand the implications of proposed changes and the specific circumstances applicable in focus areas such as fitness-to-drive and fatigue management.
Download Paper
Australian Bus and Coach: An industry in Crisis | 2024
In October 2017, the last Aussie built car rolled off the production line in Adelaide.
Without urgent government intervention, 2027 could be the last year that buses and coaches are manufactured or assembled on Australian soil. Assistance from the Australian and State, Territory Governments is urgently required to stop the collapse of bus and coach manufacturing and assembly in Australia.
Download Paper
Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap | 2024
The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Australian Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap.
As the peak body for the bus and coach industry in Australia the BIC represents bus and coach operators, vehicle, and equipment manufacturers as well as other suppliers and responds on their behalf.
Download submission
National Urban Policy Consultation Draft | 2024
The Bus Industry Confederation welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Urban Policy Consultation Draft May 2024.
As there are no specific questions posed in the draft, we have made a general response and identified some areas where an increased emphasis on public transport is warranted.
Download consultation
Policy Position Paper: Driving Towards Zero Emissions | 2024
The Australian bus industry is uniquely positioned to lead the transition to zero-emission technologies for heavy vehicles.
As an industry, we can significantly reduce transport emissions, while helping Australia meet its climate targets and creating new economic opportunities. But the transition must be carefully managed to ensure the best outcomes while protecting our economy, including jobs and essential services.
Download position paper
2024-25 Federal Pre-Budget Submission | 2024
To stabilise and then grow Australia’s sovereign manufacturing ability for buses, BIC recommends that the Australian Government commit funding for the establishment of an Office of National Bus Industry Coordination which will lead the development and implementation of a National Bus Manufacturing Plan and associated National Bus Procurement Roadmap and Manufacturing Strategy.
Further, we recommend that the Government commit funding to a National Heavy Vehicle Skills and Workforce Program.
Download the BIC 2024-25 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
Dimensions and Mass - Low/Zero Emission Buses/Coaches | 2023
This paper reviews the status of heavy vehicle body mass and dimensions as it relates to buses and coaches.
Consequently, the paper also provides an update on the BIC position for wider vehicles (specifically 2.5 to 2.55 m body width) as it relates to the Australian bus industry.
Download the Dimensions and Mass for Low and Zero Emission Buses and Coaches 2023
Bus Safety Initiatives Paper | 2023
On 28 August 2023, the BIC presented a Bus Safety Initiatives Paper at a Bus Safety Ministerial Roundtable hosted by Senator Carol Brown – Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
The Paper provides 8 key recommendations to further enhance bus safety – the vehicle, the passenger and other road users.
Download Paper
National Electric Vehicle Strategy Consultation | 2022
The BIC supports the intent of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy Consultation paper which covers a range of goals and although the bus and coach industry are broadly supportive of these goals, highlighting two main concerns with the strategy.
The bus and coach industry in Australia is uniquely placed to be an exemplar of how to transition heavy vehicles to zero emissions operation. The public transport tasks (including school bus services), which the industry undertakes daily are so configured that the vast majority of these operations are ideally suited to adopt dedicated battery and hydrogen technology.
Download Submission

Zero Emissions Technology

Bus and Coach Safety Advisories

As part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Funding Agreement administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, we’ve developed a series of bus and coach safety advisories for zero emissions technology.

The series provides information relating to heavy vehicle standards and specifications, safe vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance and infrastructure, and is aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and operators of heavy vehicles, plus related components and infrastructure.

Information provided in this series may also be a useful reference for Australian state and territory governments, transport agencies and transport regulators.

Advisory 1. Electric Power Train Systems

Released August 2023
Advisory 1 of this Bus and Coach Safety Advisory Series was released in August 2023 and is intended to support incoming ADR’s 109/00 and 110/00 relating to zero emissions technology for heavy vehicles.

Below are relevant regulation and standards resources that can be incorporated into existing heavy vehicle specification forms (systems) for use by manufacturers, bus operators and transport agencies.

Chapter overview

  1. Componentry of battery and hydrogen zero emissions vehicles
  2. Heavy vehicle regulations in Australia and ADR’s.
  3. Recommendations for the adoption of United Nations regulations and website links to the latest regulations:
      1. UN R100 Rev. 3 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to specific requirements for the electric power train.
      2. UN R10 Rev. 6 – Electromagnetic compatibility
      3. UN R134 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (HFCV)
      4. EC 79/2009 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (Note: as a base as R134 does not require all components subject to high pressure hydrogen to be tested and certified)
      5. UNR138 Rev. 1 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with regard to their reduced audibility (QRTV).
  4. Review of other related or equivalent international standards and specifications.
  5. Future global technical specification – Global Technical Regulation 20 on electric vehicle safety.

Download resources

Advisory 2 Vehicle operations and maintenance

Released August 2023
Advisory 1 of this Bus and Coach Safety Advisory Series was released in August 2023 and is intended to support incoming ADR’s 109/00 and 110/00 relating to zero emissions technology for heavy vehicles.

Below are relevant regulation and standards resources that can be incorporated into existing heavy vehicle specification forms (systems) for use by manufacturers, bus operators and transport agencies.

Chapter overview

  1. Componentry of battery and hydrogen zero emissions vehicles
  2. Heavy vehicle regulations in Australia and ADR’s.
  3. Recommendations for the adoption of United Nations regulations and website links to the latest regulations:
      1. UN R100 Rev. 3 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to specific requirements for the electric power train.
      2. UN R10 Rev. 6 – Electromagnetic compatibility
      3. UN R134 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (HFCV)
      4. EC 79/2009 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (Note: as a base as R134 does not require all components subject to high pressure hydrogen to be tested and certified)
      5. UNR138 Rev. 1 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with regard to their reduced audibility (QRTV).
  4. Review of other related or equivalent international standards and specifications.
  5. Future global technical specification – Global Technical Regulation 20 on electric vehicle safety.

Download resources

Advisory 3 Fixed systems and infrastructure

Release November 2024
Advisory 1 of this Bus and Coach Safety Advisory Series was released in August 2023 and is intended to support incoming ADR’s 109/00 and 110/00 relating to zero emissions technology for heavy vehicles.

Below are relevant regulation and standards resources that can be incorporated into existing heavy vehicle specification forms (systems) for use by manufacturers, bus operators and transport agencies.

Chapter overview

  1. Componentry of battery and hydrogen zero emissions vehicles
  2. Heavy vehicle regulations in Australia and ADR’s.
  3. Recommendations for the adoption of United Nations regulations and website links to the latest regulations:
      1. UN R100 Rev. 3 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to specific requirements for the electric power train.
      2. UN R10 Rev. 6 – Electromagnetic compatibility
      3. UN R134 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (HFCV)
      4. EC 79/2009 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (Note: as a base as R134 does not require all components subject to high pressure hydrogen to be tested and certified)
      5. UNR138 Rev. 1 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with regard to their reduced audibility (QRTV).
  4. Review of other related or equivalent international standards and specifications.
  5. Future global technical specification – Global Technical Regulation 20 on electric vehicle safety.

Download resources