The South Australian bus industry, led by BusSA, stands at a defining moment — one that calls for bold leadership, national collaboration and smarter, future-ready frameworks.
Speaking at the BusSA conference in May 2025, BIC ED Varenya Mohan-Ram delivered a rousing call to action, urging stakeholders to embrace regulatory reform, harmonisation and practical pathways to decarbonisation.
“We’re not just running buses,” he said, “we’re shaping the future of public mobility.”
Time to fix the regulatory patchwork
A major theme of the keynote address was the urgent need for national consistency in rules and standards. As it stands, bus operators across Australia face a fragmented compliance regime, particularly around fatigue management, vehicle maintenance, and emerging low-emission technologies. The result? Confusion and inefficiency.
“Clarity and consistency are not luxuries — they are necessities,” Varenya stressed.
“A harmonised national approach is essential if we’re to meet growing expectations while keeping our operations sustainable.”
The address welcomed the appointment of Nicole Rosie as the incoming CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), expressing strong support for deeper engagement between the NHVR and the bus sector, especially on long-standing compliance issues.
Accreditation gaps: a South Australian opportunity
South Australia currently lags behind other states in its operator accreditation framework — a gap that undermines both public confidence and industry standards. Varenya made it clear: this must change.
“There’s a choice to be made. Either SA lifts its own accreditation standards or we empower the NHVR to manage national accreditation directly. Either way, we need action.”
Importantly, this isn’t about burdening operators with red tape. It’s about ensuring that all operators — especially those already going above and beyond — operate on a level playing field.
Zero emission ambitions, diesel-era contracts
The transition to zero-emission buses is already underway, but existing contract frameworks remain a major barrier. Many of the current agreements are tailored to diesel fleets, leaving operators to absorb the additional costs of depot upgrades, charging infrastructure and updated safety protocols.
One insurer, for instance, now recommends a 20-metre buffer zone between electric buses and buildings, or the construction of thermal barriers — requirements that few existing depots can meet without significant capital investment.
“These aren’t fringe issues — they go to the heart of operational viability,” Varenya said.
“If we’re serious about a green transition, we need contract structures that reflect today’s reality — not yesterday’s.”
A seat at the table
More than just funding or frameworks, what operators want is to be heard. The industry is calling for early, frequent engagement with regulators and governments to co-design the systems that will shape the future of transport.
“We’re ready to lead. But we must be included in the planning. Because we know what works and we care deeply about getting it right — for our passengers, our people and our planet.”
A unified industry
The address concluded with a heartfelt thank you to the operators, suppliers and advocates who keep the sector moving — often behind the scenes and under increasing pressure.
The message was clear: with unity, accountability and smarter policy settings, South Australia can move from lagging to leading the national conversation.
“We’re not asking for handouts,” Varenya said.
“We’re asking for fairness, and the tools to deliver the world-class bus network South Australians deserve.”
Varenya congratulated BusSA on a fantastic conference, stating, “BusSA members are well represented”.
He also made mention of the great presentations by BIC National Industrial Relations Manager Kirsten Jongsma and National Technical Manager Dean Moule.
Varenya Mohan-Ram
Executive Director
Bus Industry Confederation
