Brisbane Bus Drivers Over 60 to Face More Frequent Medical ChecksBrisbane Bus Drivers Over 60 to Face More Frequent Medical Checks An independent report commissioned by Brisbane City Council has recommended that bus drivers over the age of 60 should undergo more frequent medical assessments to ensure they remain fit for work. The report follows a fatal bus accident in Brisbane’s city center in March 2023, where an 18-year-old woman was killed. The driver of the bus, 70-year-old Lindsay Francis Selby, has been charged with reckless driving causing death. Currently, bus drivers over the age of 60 undergo a medical examination every five years. However, the report recommends that this should happen more frequently. Transport councillor Ryan Murphy said the recommendation would help ensure the safety of drivers and passengers alike. He emphasized that the goal was to support older drivers while maintaining safety standards. The average age of a bus driver in Brisbane is 52, while the state average is 56. In other states, such as NSW, bus drivers over the age of 60 are required to have a medical every three years. The report also includes recommendations for additional measures to improve driver safety, such as: * Psychometric profiling in recruitment * Regular monitoring of driver behavior and performance * Training in low-risk driving behavior * Changes to shift and route schedules during training The report has been submitted to the state government for consideration of legislative changes. Some recommendations, such as providing digital tools for drivers, will be implemented by the end of the year. However, changes to training policies and medical assessments will require consultation with the industry and unions.
The independent report, commissioned by Brisbane City Council, found that bus drivers over the age of 60 are required to undergo more frequent medical assessments to remain fit for work.
The findings follow a horrific rush hour accident in Brisbane’s city centre in March, when 18-year-old Tia Cameron was pushed into a building by a bus.
She died at the scene, while four others were treated for their injuries.
Driver Lindsay Francis Selby, 70, has been charged with reckless driving causing death.
Bus drivers over the age of 60 currently undergo an admission test every five years, which includes checking their criminal record, medical records and traffic records.
Once they reach the age of 75, annual medical examinations are carried out.
The report recommended that drivers over 60 should have more frequent medical checks, but did not specify how often this should happen.
Transport councillor Ryan Murphy said the recommendation would support drivers and make passengers feel safer on the city’s buses.
“We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater,” he told reporters on Friday.
“We want to make sure that we can support our older drivers and ensure that their health is safeguarded.”
The average age of a bus driver in Brisbane is 52. The state average is 56, one year higher than the national average.
In other states, such as NSW, bus drivers undergo a medical every three years once they turn 60.
Other findings in the report include psychometric profiling in future recruitment, regular monitoring of driver behaviour and performance, training in low-risk driving behaviour and changes to shift and route schedules during training.
It has been handed over to the state government to consider legislative changes.
Some recommendations, such as digital tools for drivers, will be implemented by the end of this year, but changes to training policies and medical assessments will require consultation with the industry and unions.
