ABOUT  US

The Sandy Point Bus Management Committee Inc. (SPBMC Inc.) is a volunteer run, not for profit entity formed for the express purpose of managing the use of the 10 seat passenger Joylong electric bus (e-Bus) which has been provided through a grant from the Victorian Government - Department of Transport and Planning with input from iMOVE CRC, in 2023. The grant covered the acquisition of 2 buses, one located at Sandy Point and other located at Venus Bay, with resources to run a two-year trial. Both communities have no local public transport.

 

Fully electric buses were chosen as an additional demonstration of the desire of both communities to show strong commitment to use of renewable power and for sustainable use of resources. The buses will primarily be charged from the solar arrays in their respective townships augmented as required with green grid power.
 

The Victorian Government has also provided funds to La Trobe University to lead a research project and support the local communities to deliver their volunteer run service in both Sandy Point and Venus Bay.  They have employed two local engagement officers, one in each community (one day a week). The engagement officers will collaborate with the community, project stakeholders, and gather information from the communities for development of an appropriate flexible local transport solution which will meet the needs of the community.  The information gathered will also be used to meet the reporting requirements of the project.  A final report will be prepared and presented to government to demonstrate the success of the project.  

 

If the project is deemed successful after the two-year trial period, the buses will remain in their communities. Success will mean that the buses will be used frequently by both communities and raise sufficient funds to be self-sufficient (covering all costs e.g. insurance, registration, repairs, maintenance, and replacement).

 

The SPBMC Inc. was formed with representatives from key community entities in Sandy Point. These groups represent a collective of the volunteer organisations in Sandy Point with representatives changing from time to time.

 

All e-Bus drivers are volunteers who have been trained, have valid licences and Working with Children Checks. Drivers and passengers riding the bus must be members of the SPBMC Inc. to keep with our legal and financial requirements. Membership is free and use of the bus is by donation.