The tragic death of 11yr old Hannah Francis in 2018 brought alpine safety to the forefront of bus transport in New
Zealand. Bus and Coach Association (BCA) Chief Executive Officer Ben McFadgen welcomes the coroner’s findings in the
recently released report and says the BCA is committed to working with government and its members on further
strengthening the Alpine Code of Practice (the Code) to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.
Hannah Francis was travelling on a shuttle bus from Turoa Ski field to Ohakune, operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, when
the bus crashed. The coroner found that the crash was the result of brake failure and unsuitable driving practices.
The coroner had several recommendations as a result of the inquiry:Strengthening of the Alpine Code, e.g. making use of seatbelts mandatoryAuditing current compliance with the CodeInvestigation into legislating the CodeDevelopment of a micro-credential in alpine passenger service drivingIncreased industry and driver education
The BCA developed the Alpine Code in 2018-2019 in response to the crash, working with alpine bus operators, ski fields,
and other interested parties, including Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to provide a best practice guide for bus operators in
alpine areas, over and above current legislative requirements. Due to the importance of the subject, the BCA made the
Code publicly available for all operators in New Zealand, not just members of the BCA.
Prior to the crash there was no specific regulation of buses operating in an alpine environment. The BCA therefore felt
it was under a moral obligation to proactively review the safety of alpine operator practices after the crash –
identifying what best-practice in alpine passenger transport looked like, including improvements that could be made and
practical guidance for operators. The coroner’s report noted that “The Alpine Code is a highly considered and
commendable step by the industry towards defining and documenting best practices and standards for optimal safe
passenger transport operations in the New Zealand alpine environment.”
Mr McFadgen says it’s important to recognise that the BCA is an association, not a regulator. “We work with our members
to adopt best practices for their operation, as well as helping them comply with regulatory requirements. The Alpine
Code has now been in place for approximately 2 years. Unfortunately, this has also been during COVID-19, which has
impacted inbound and domestic tourism and many alpine environments have been closed, with many operators shutting down.
However, we have had some very positive feedback from both members and non-members about the Code. We strongly recommend
that all bus companies operating in alpine environments adopt the Code, and any members who need assistance in this area
contact us at any time.”
McFadgen says the BCA is reviewing and strengthening the Alpine Code in response to the coroner’s findings and
recommendations. “We are committed to ensuring that an accident like this never happens again.”
For further information, please contact the BCA office 04 499 7334.