A BENDIGO bus fleet has been grounded, after a transport regulator raised a number of safety concerns.
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The bus operator's accreditation has been suspended by Bus Safety Victoria, because of concerns about poor condition of buses and the potential risk to passengers.
The Bendigo Advertiser is yet to confirm the operator whose licence has been suspended.
BSV invoked its suspension powers on Monday September 23, after a number of concerns were not resolved despite months working with the operator.
Acting Bus Safety Director Lisa Faldon said the operator was not allowed to provide a commercial bus service or local bus service during the suspension.
14 buses were issued with a defect notice during a joint-compliance operation between Victoria Police and Bus Safety compliance officers on September 19 and 20, at the Bendigo depot.
Ms Faldon said she suspended the accreditation because of a number of recent, serious incidents, the current un-roadworthy condition of the bus fleet, and a number of non-compliance's with the operator's safety management systems.
"I question the extent to which this operator is able or willing to meet their responsibilities to adhere to requirements of the Bus Safety Act 2009 (Vic) (BSA) and the Bus Safety Regulations 2010 (Vic)," she said.
All buses will require a certificate of road-worthiness to clear the defect notice.
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The suspension of the bus operator's accreditation will remain in place until an inquiry is held to determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.
The Bendigo Advertiser has been unable to confirm whether bus services will be affected.
More to come.
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