Austroads acquires TCA

Austroads, the peak organisation of Australasian road transport and traffic agencies, has acquired Transport Certification Australia (TCA).

“I am pleased to advise that Transport Certification Australia Ltd has been acquired by Austroads Ltd,” Austroads Chair and TCA Director Neil Scales said in a statement.

“This will enable a better use of resources and expertise from both businesses into the future.”

The decision for TCA to be owned by Austroads was made by the Transport and Infrastructure Council (TIC) following a review of national transport bodies in 2018.

TIC reportedly recognised the essential role TCA performs in the provision of advisory services, development and implementation of programs and their associated administration, including management of the National
Telematics Framework – the government-endorsed digital business platform to create and utilise telematics applications. TIC recognised how the use of telematics and related intelligent technologies will continue to support surface-based transport reforms now and into the future.

“It is important to emphasise that the decision made by Council [TIC] for TCA to be owned by Austroads does not change TCA’s role and function,” TCA CEO Chris Koniditsiotis said.

“Nor does it change TCA’s accountability to manage an open technology market on behalf of Australia’s road transport agencies and regulators, to support a growing number of applications for light and heavy vehicles with different levels of assurance.

“TCA will continue as a separate corporate entity reporting through its newly established Board, and will continue to lead by interacting with three distinct stakeholders groups: producers of applications (including government agencies and regulators which set policies and programs using telematics) Consumers and users of applications; and providers of applications (which deliver telematics products and services in response to producers and consumers).

Koniditsiotis said there is significant work already underway by TCA with Australia’s road transport agencies and the transport and technology sectors to implement 16 initiatives contained in the approved
business case, including:

New applications of the National Telematics Framework, including the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) application (Level 1 assurance) and ‘IAP Lite’ application (Level 2 assurance).

New features which can be used across applications of the National Telematics Framework (such as turn-by-turn navigation and real-time alerts).

Enhancements to existing Level 3 applications to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Austroads Chief Executive Nick Koukoulas said the ownership of TCA will bring a number of synergies and efficiencies to both businesses and will help accelerate a number of projects underway.

Austroads members are collectively responsible for the management of over 900,000 kilometres of roads valued at more than $250 billion representing the single largest community asset in Australia and New Zealand.

Austroads’ purpose is to support its member organisations to deliver an improved Australasian road transport network. One that meets the future needs of the community, industry and economy. A road network that is safer for all users and provides vital and reliable connections to place and people. A network that uses resources wisely and is mindful of its impact on the environment.

To succeed in this task, Austroads reportedly undertakes leading-edge road and transport research which underpins our input to policy development and published guidance on the design, construction and management of the road network and its associated infrastructure.

Austroads also administers the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System, a unique national system which enables road authorities to interact across state borders and directly supports
the transport and automotive industries.

Austroads provides a collective approach that delivers value for money, encourages shared knowledge and drives consistency for road users.