That’s the question on a lot of central Victorian lips this week after the horrifying bus crash at Maiden Gully 11 days ago highlighted the need for changes to legislation.

Surely the safety of those on board our buses, be they our children on school buses or commuters on public transport, deserves to be acknowledged and acted upon.

And while the cost to fit seatbelts to buses may be expensive, it should also be compulsory.

Our federal, state and local governments all have a role to play in resolving this safety concern, which in a modern First World economy should not even be an issue.

This year we celebrate 40 years since the introduction of seatbelts in Victoria – it’s time for buses to catch up.

Every day when someone rides on a bus they chance their arm should something go wrong.

Events such as the August 21 Maiden Gully crash simply highlight the need for action before something far more serious occurs and there is a tragedy.

We value the safety of our children above all else in this world and it is time we put that into action and demanded our government take the necessary steps to implement positive change for the sake of all bus users.

The cost to convert existing bus fleets should not be left solely to the transport companies, and it needs to be shared between government, bus operators and ultimately bus patrons. Anything less would be a compromise.