“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”

When J.K. Rowling penned Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, she could never have imagined that the line would feature so prominently within Australian bus and coach. Nevertheless, today she gets to share the limelight with new BIC Executive Director, Varenya Mohan-Ram. Here’s an extract from his recent address at the QBIC Conference in Cairns that we can all get behind…

We’re at a critical moment in time — not just for our industry but for the future of Australia. We’re in the midst of a federal election, a time when policy decisions will impact our industry in profound ways… a time to reflect, to reassess and, most importantly, to unite.

Something fundamental to the success of our association and the entire bus industry is strength in unity.

Our industry is incredibly diverse, with operators, manufacturers, vehicle importers, assemblers all playing unique, equally important roles. And yet, despite this diversity, we’re bound by a common thread: a collective commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable transport for Australians.

This shared purpose has allowed us to weather many storms, from regulatory changes and economic pressures to technological disruptions and rising fuel prices. Our strength has always been in our ability to come together as one cohesive force to overcome challenges and pursue progress.

In this election year, this unity will be more important than ever. As policymakers debate the future of public transport, infrastructure, environmental policies and economic recovery, it’s essential that we speak with one voice. We must make it clear to decision-makers that the bus industry is not a collection of disparate parts; we are one industry, united in our vision for a sustainable, efficient and accessible transport system.

To this end, I’d like to highlight the incredible dedication of our bus operators — those on the frontline ensuring the safety, comfort and punctuality of millions of passengers. Their work is not always publicly visible, but it is invaluable: From the drivers and schedulers to the maintenance teams that ensure fleets are in top condition… their commitment to excellence, often under challenging circumstances, is the bedrock on which this entire industry is built.

Our operators cannot do their job without the dedication of those who design, build, import and assemble the buses that keep our industry running. These are the backbone of our fleets, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology, efficiency and sustainability. Bus and coach has an essential role to play in meeting Australia’s climate goals; they are central to that effort.

While it’s easy to see the differences between us, the future lies in collaboration: we’re all aware of our interdependence. Together, we form a comprehensive ecosystem that thrives when we work together. I’m committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration across the entire industry. Whether it’s advocating for policies supporting transport or addressing our shared challenges, we must recognise that when we come together, we’re more powerful than any one group acting alone.

Road freight receives a lot of airtime from politicians; we need to leverage those relationships to be heard. In this election year, we have an opportunity to engage with our elected officials to ensure that our collective interests are represented. To do this effectively, we need to stand united with one voice, one message and one vision.

Looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the coming years, our industry is at the crossroad of new technologies, workforce shortages, safety standard improvements and the transition to greener fleets. That road will require vision, innovation and, again, unity.

And what does the way forward look like? I aim to bring government to us as small groups advocating for issues, but also for us to visit them up on their Hill. I aim to bring ALL manner of stakeholder to the table.

Bus and coach has always been driven by a deep sense of purpose, a commitment to community and an unwavering dedication to service. As we navigate this election year and beyond, I’m confident that we’ll continue to grow, innovate and lead the way.

Let us stand united, speak with one voice and continue to build the future of Australian transport — together.

Varenya Mohan-Ram
Executive Director
Bus Industry Confederation