ABC #406

BUS COLLISION-REPAIR INDUSTRY STALWART RETIRES
Retirement has called on
Wales Truck and Bus Repairs
stalwart and collision-repair
key figure Sam Travato, who,
after more than 50 years,
leaves the company and
greater bus industry, Wales
announced recently.
Travato has been
instrumental in his guidance,
work ethic and industry
knowledge for the growth
of Wales Bus Repairs for the
past seven years, confirms
Wales CEO Darren Wales,
adding that his departure
will be keenly felt amongst
the Wales team.
“His dedication and service
levels to our client base has
been beyond reproach,”
Wales stated.
“We wish Sam all the
very best with his future
endeavours of retirement
and beyond and add that he
will be sorely missed – both
here at Wales Bus Repairs
and the bus industry in general.
“We are holding a casual
farewell for Sam at Wales Bus
Repairs on the 2nd July for
anyone wishing to come say
‘happy retirement’,” Wales said.
Wales Bus repairs – a
seminal institution within
the Australian bus and
truck and collision-repair
industries – has been a part
of the massive AMA Group
since mid-2019.
ABOUT AMA
The AMA Group – with its
Gemini Accident Repair Centres
head office located in Bundall,
Queensland – is a leader in
the automotive aftercare and
accessories market, it states.
Each of its specialised
automotive aftercare and
accessory companies have a
commitment to excellence in
customer service, cost-effective
operations, and sector-leading
brands, it explains.
AMA is Australia’s largest
accident repairer business and
owns and operates in excess
of 180 accident repair facilities
and 10 heavy motor facilities
Australia-wide.
Above:
Sam Travato
will be leaving
Wales Truck
and Bus
Repairs after
50 years.
BUS SAFETY WARNING AMID ROAD-RULES ‘FORGETFULNESS’
TRANSDEV AUSTRALIASIA reminded
motorists to give way and share the road
with buses, light rail and other public
transport services as part of National
Road Safety Week (May 17–23).
With the company citing 2021 research
from vehicle manufacturer Ford Australia
that suggests many drivers aren’t as
familiar with road rules as they were
before the pandemic – with many parts
of the country staying off the roads and
at home during part of 2020 – Transdev
Right:
Safety on the
road is the
responsibility of
every road user,
says Transdev
Australasia
chief safety and
assurance officer
Huw Bridges.
Australasia chief Safety and Assurance
officer Huw Bridges says everyone had a
role to play in helping to keep roads safe.
“Safety on the road is the responsibility
of every road user,” Bridges stated.
“Our responsibility is to train and
help our drivers to be the safest they
can be on the road. It’s a collective
responsibility we share with private road
users, and we encourage everyone to
know the rules and to their bit to keep
people safe.”
Nationally, it is a requirement for
passenger vehicles to give way to buses,
and all passenger transport vehicles
display a distinctive driver-side sticker
advising of the rule.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
should take extra caution around train
and light rail crossings and motorists
should never turn in front of a light
rail vehicle.
ADDITIONAL DISTANCE
Bridges explains that by being much
smaller and lighter than bus, train or
light rail vehicles, passenger vehicles
often sustained greater chances of
damage or injury in the event of a
collision.
“Light-rail vehicles weigh the
equivalent of 30 rhinos and the average
bus weighs the same as three African
elephants, and they do need additional
distance to stop or manoeuvre,” he said.
“Our teams across the country work
with schools, road users and government
to deliver education and training to
ensure that safety remains top of mind.”
busnews.com.au June 2021 ABC
11