United in Purpose

Victoria’s private bus operators have long understood the need to work together to improve industry conditions and the level of service provide to their passengers.

The Bus Association Victoria Inc. began as part of a combined goods and passenger organisation formed in 1944 as a result of a merger of the Master Carriers’ Association of Victoria and the Commercial Motor Users’ Association.

The new organisation called the Victorian Road Transport Association comprised three passenger operator divisions: the Road Passenger Service Operators (long distance and country operators), Omnibus Operators (metropolitan and suburban) and Motor Coach Services (charter and tours)

Within three years however the RPSO division believed that the needs of passenger operators were “so entirely different from those of the vast majority of the members of the VRTA…that separate action became necessary”. Separate action meant the creation of a new association and an umbrella body, which ultimately led, in 1953 to the Road Passenger Service Operators Association becoming the sole representative body for bus owners throughout Victoria.

By 1960 there were 443 member of the association operating 1842 vehicles; in 1965, there were 582 members with 2182 buses and coaches; by 2000 the figures had reached 740 members and 4600 buses.

In 1969 the name of the association was changed to the Bus Proprietors’ Association (Vic) and changed again in 1996 to Bus Association Victoria inc.

Changing government attitudes, the push for improved industrial conditions, new community expectations and the ups and downs of the economic environment have all required the BPA to act on behalf of its members.

One of the most pressing issues faced by the body for many years was the need for a central bus terminal in Melbourne. As early as 1949 the Board was anxious to see the establishment of proper terminal arrangements but despite its efforts it was not until 1989 that the government announced the building of an interim terminal at Spencer Street Station.

In 1959, the BPA showed the same kind of initiative as many of its members by moving into a co-operative, commercial venture. Bus Sales Pty Ltd was formed when it was learned that “there was a possibility that the contract between General Motors-Holden Ltd and the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty Ltd for the manufacture of the CAC Bedford bus might be terminated”. The association approached GMH who agreed to appoint the BPA as distributors for the CAC Bedford.

President of the association from 1955-57, Claude Morarty takes up the story: “We merchandised it very successfully; in fact, we sold 178 buses in the first 18 months of operation. Next we set up a successful spare parts division. Bus Sales was a very profitable operation. It enabled the association to buy the site on City Road, South Melbourne, and build offices on it, and we later acquired properties at the rear for future expansion.”

The spare parts and accessories business as well as the leasing of property owned by the association continues to be important sources of its income.

Most important activity of all for the association has been its efforts to raise the government’s awareness of road transport. As the political tide has ebbed and flowed so has our level of success. Fare rises, ticket machines, the nature of the licensing authority, government subsidies, transport administration and contracts have all proven to be thorny issues creating distance between successive governments and the association.

“The Bus Association Victoria Inc. is committed to serving the interests of the community and its members. It will provide opportunities for members to:

· Maximise profitability and long term security.

· Maintain positive public perceptions of safety, reliability efficiency and ethical conduct.

· Retain community service values in the delivery of Road passenger operations.

And by maximising its membership will consequently enhance the public image of the industry through its activities.”