Media Release

With record numbers of Australians now relying on buses, prioritising public transport has never been more urgent

Ongoing global fuel supply pressures will continue to affect Australians, and with fuel costs climbing, more people are relying on public transport to travel each day.

Australia’s bus fleet consumes 6.13 million litres of fuel every day to keep services running, enabling buses to move 53.4% of Australians to work, school, medical appointments and essential activities.

With diesel prices continuing to climb, more Australians are turning to public transport, making bus services more essential than ever. The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) is calling for diesel used in public transport to be prioritised to protect service reliability and ensure communities remain connected.

BIC Executive Director Varenya Mohan‑Ram said the growing pressures on the bus network require swift, coordinated action “The global problem of fuel supply will continue to challenge Australians. We understand how difficult this moment is for government decision makers; however public transport must be prioritised to ensure essential services continue for the millions of Australians who rely on buses every day.”

Call for Government action

Mr Varenya Mohan‑Ram said the growing pressures on the bus network require swift, coordinated action. “Australia cannot afford for its public transport system to become unstable. Buses move more than half the nation every day, and that relies on securing the fuel needed to operate. Prioritising diesel for public transport is essential to keeping Australians connected.”

“We are calling for urgent, structured discussions between government and the bus industry. The challenges ahead require clear planning, not reactive measures.”

Employers keeping the system moving

With demand on the bus network increasing, BIC is encouraging employers to discuss flexible or staggered work hours with staff to help manage peak hour congestion and maintain consistent service levels. This includes working from home where possible.

Fringe Benefits Tax

Where employers are willing to provide additional support for workers facing rising travel costs, BIC is calling on the Australian Government to remove the Fringe Benefits Tax component, ensuring employees receive the full value of any assistance.

Support for fuel excise relief

BIC welcomes the Nationals’ call for a reduction in fuel excise following meetings with them on Friday.

“We welcome recognition of the extreme pressure bus and coach operators are under. BIC is calling for a full temporary removal of the fuel excise to ensure bus services remain viable and no communities are left behind. The temporary removal of the excise will also assist with managing cash flow for bus operators,” Mr Mohan-Ram said.

Join (or rejoin) the bus driving workforce

The Australian bus and coach industry is always on the lookout for new drivers.

“We encourage Australians who have previously driven a bus or anyone considering a career change to contact their local bus company. More drivers are urgently needed to help carry Australians safely and reliably,” Mr Mohan‑Ram said. ENDS