It’s always great to get out of the office and connect with our clients and the industry face-to-face. Recently, I had the pleasure of doing just that with an extensive trip to Perth, Western Australia. As Product Manager for eCoachManager, I was there to deepen our presence in the region, engage with our valued clients, and participate in some key events hosted by BusWA, the peak industry body for bus and coach operators here.
My visit wasn’t just about the main events; I spent a good week before and after the conferences meeting directly with our eCoachManager clients across Perth. These one-on-one sessions are invaluable. They allow me to truly understand their specific operational needs and challenges, ensuring that our software continues to evolve in ways that genuinely help them succeed. It’s a cornerstone of how we do business at eCoachManager, and it was fantastic to hear directly from the people who use our product every day.
The highlight of my trip revolved around two significant BusWA events in July 2025, which were fantastic opportunities for networking and industry collaboration:
- The BusWA Cocktail Event (Thursday, July 17, 2025): This was a fantastic evening. It brought together so many key players from the industry, and the networking was invaluable. It was particularly encouraging to see the Minister for Transport, Hon. Jessica Stojkovski MLA, and other parliamentary representatives in attendance, showing strong government support for the sector. We had some great discussions, especially on topics relevant to the BusWA School Bus Division, all while enjoying a stunning view of Perth’s city lights over the Swan River.
- The BusWA AGM & BCI Bus Show (Friday, July 18, 2025): The following day was equally productive. Held at the Ascot Park Racecourse, this event was a vital platform for members to engage in important discussions, and of course, check out the latest advancements at the BusWA BCI Bus Show. The day kicked off with the AGM, followed by exhibitor displays and lunch, keeping us busy until around 4:00 PM.
These events really underscore BusWA’s dedication to supporting and connecting its members, and I’m proud that eCoachManager is an active part of that community, helping to drive the industry forward.
Why Western Australia’s School Bus Services are So Important to Us
One area I’m particularly interested in, and which we discussed a lot during my visit, is Western Australia’s extensive school bus services. The sheer scale of the network, especially in rural areas, providing free student transport to public schools, is incredible. School Bus Services (SBS) in WA transports over 26,000 students daily across the state. In the 2020-2021 financial year alone, SBS managed 869 school bus contracts, delivering 967 separate services. This includes 807 to mainstream schools and 160 to education support facilities. This vast and intricate system presents a significant opportunity for eCoachManager to help operators enhance their efficiency and management. It’s a complex operation, and we believe our software can make a real difference here.
A Few “Memorable” Moments from My Trip
While the business side of the trip was incredibly successful, I did have a few personal experiences that added some… flavour to my visit:
- The worst seat ever on an AirAsia flight from KL to Perth: Let’s just say it was a long flight.
- Perth parking woes: Seriously, parking here is both horrendous and expensive. Next time, I might just stick to Uber. For example, airport parking can be pricey, and a city Uber ride can add up, but it’s likely still cheaper than struggling to find and pay for parking in the CBD.
- The coldest day in 15 years in Perth: I definitely wasn’t expecting to feel that kind of chill in Western Australia!
- A 12:30 AM false fire alarm on the coldest day: That was quite the rude awakening, especially when you’re already shivering!
Despite these minor personal hurdles, my trip to Perth was highly productive. Engaging directly with our Western Australian clients and actively participating in the BusWA events reinforced eCoachManager’s commitment to the local transport industry. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead, especially within the state’s vital school bus services sector.
If you would like to discuss any of the topics above, or if you would like to schedule a demo, please click the link.