Compliance with emergency management requirements: transport

We plan to determine whether transport agencies comply with emergency management responsibilities.

Why this is important

High-profile emergency incidents in Melbourne and global terrorist attacks have reinforced the need for Victoria’s public transport network to be able to ensure the general safety of passengers and recover services if a major emergency occurs.

Under Victoria’s Emergency Management Act 2013, DTP is responsible for leading the emergency response to a major public transport disruption, such as: 

• an infrastructure failure resulting in network delays or service outages
• a telecommunications disruption that results in a loss of control of train or tram power or signalling systems. 

DTP works with Emergency Management Victoria, Victoria Police and other agencies to plan, prepare for and respond to emergencies involving the public transport network.

Rail franchise agreements and safety regulations also require all public transport operators to have individual emergency response plans.

Operators notify DTP of incidents or disruptions to public transport services and play an important role in on-the-ground response and service recovery.

What we plan to examine

This is a reasonable assurance performance audit. 

We will assess if transport agencies comply with their responsibilities, including: 

• planning
• appointment of and training for roles, and oversight of transport operators and exercises.

Who we plan to examine

DTP, VicTrack and V/Line, as well as associated entities Metro Trains Melbourne, Yarra Trams and selected bus operators

Timeframe

2023‒24

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