TRUSS ENCOURAGES LOCAL BUS OPERATORS TO APPLY FOR SEAT BELT FUNDING — APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW
17th October, 2007
Safer school buses are just around the corner with applications for the Australian Government’s Seatbelts for Kids funding program now available.Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said local bus operators can now access the information they need to take advantage of the program, which will provide $40 million over the next four years to install seat belts in school buses in rural and regional areas.
“The Australian government has set up web pages and a telephone number to ensure that bus operators can access the program which subsidises the cost of installing seat belts in school buses,” Mr Truss said.
The funding will be used to provide subsidies of up to $25,000 a bus, and will be paid directly to private rural and regional bus operators.
The web site for the program, www.dotars.gov.au/roads/safety/seatbeltsforkids/ spells out the eligibility requirements; how and where to apply, and the different conditions and definitions that apply to the program. Alternatively, applicants can phone 1300 725 209.
“For example, to be eligible, the bus operator will need have an existing contract with a state or territory government to provide school bus services on a recognised rural and regional school bus route,” Mr Truss said.
“The operator will need to be licensed or accredited by the State Government to provide the services and the contract and the bus must be approved for a contracted school bus route defined as rural and regional,” Mr Truss said.
“I encourage Wide Bay bus operators to visit the web site, or call the hotline and a make a start on the application for the subsidy,” Mr Truss said.
ENDS
