Private bus companies targeted in push to weed out rogue operators

A team of investigators is targeting private bus companies as it tightens the net around rogue operators running shoddy fleets, with party buses, airport shuttles and tourist services all hit with a series of on-the-spot inspections.

VicRoads and Victoria Police executing a warrant at a party bus depot at Sunshine North. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A team of investigators is targeting private bus companies as it tightens the net around rogue operators running shoddy fleets.

Party buses, airport shuttles and tourist services have all been hit with a series of on-the-spot inspections after Transport Safety Victoria raised concerns about dangerous behaviour and poor standards across the sector.

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In the past 12 months, several businesses have been hit with suspensions for having failed to maintain their fleets, and drivers have been caught using buses already issued with defect notices.

Over the course of 535 audits, inspectors found services were running without registration, continuing to drive defective vehicles, infrequently inspecting vehicles, and failing to have a working fire extinguisher on board.

Private bus services have been busted operating defective vehicles. Picture: Nicole Garmston

TSV acting director of bus safety Lisa Faldon said many companies were doing the right thing but investigators continued to find rogue operators.

“Analysis of recent audit and compliance activities have led to our current focus on the tour and charter sector for our infield compliance activities,” she said.

“All passengers of buses in Victoria have the right to travel on a bus which is in safe condition, to know that the operator of the bus service is appropriately permissioned by Bus Safety Victoria to operate a bus service, and that the driver is appropriately qualified to drive the bus safely.

“If a ‘party bus’ is being operated by an accredited operator, the bus and its operation is subject to the same standards and legislative requirements as an operator of a bus providing a route bus service.”

Dee Decker Tours was suspended last year. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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One of Melbourne’s most popular party bus companies, Dee Decker Tours, was suspended last year after investigators found its buses were leaking fuel, severely damaged or could not be safely steered.

The same company was also alleged to have swapped around licence plates to evade detection by Victoria Police.

Another business was suspended in the week before Christmas after failing to heed 18 months of warnings about maintaining fleet quality.

VicRoads executive director of access and operations, Anita Curnow, said: “Buses can carry thousands of passengers every day so it’s vital that these vehicles meet our safety and community standards.

“VicRoads officers regularly patrol our road network and conduct vehicle inspections to help keep everyone safe on the roads.”