APTIA & BIC Councilors Breakfast
Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM |
Grand Ballroom 2 |
Overview
Invitation ONLY
Details
BIC & APTIA Councilors ONLY breakfast
Speaker
Steven Atchison
GM - Business Development
ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia
Update on Metropolitan Projects Panellist
7:15 AM - 7:55 AMBiography
Prior to joining ComfortDelGro Australia in 2019, Steven held various senior management roles in the automotive sector including operations, marketing, logistics and franchising both in Australia and the greater Asia Pacific region. Since joining CDC as General Manager – Business Development his role has focussed on supporting the company’s growth strategies including its zero-emission initiatives. These activities have included the Zero Emissions Bus trials in Victoria and NSW, and the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses as a foundation partner with VIVA Energy. Most recently Steven has been closely involved with the electrification plans for CDC bus depots as part of the Victorian Department of Transport, Metropolitan Zero Emission Franchises.
Maria Capati
Partner
Piper Alderman
Update on the Metropolitan Projects Panel Facilitator
7:15 AM - 7:55 AMBiography
Maria is a leading commercial lawyer who regularly advises operators, manufacturers and suppliers in relation to major Government contracts, procurement processes, supply agreements and OHS issues. She has extensive experience in advising clients in every State and Territory in Australia and is considered a legal expert on Government contracts.
Recently, Maria has been advising her clients on the introduction of zero emission vehicles as well as the construction and/or upgrade of zero emission depots. Her work includes advising on variations to existing Government contracts and direct deeds, as well as drafting supply agreements and infrastructure agreements.
She also has significant experience in negotiating and advising on the sale of businesses way of asset and/or share sale throughout Australia. She is particularly sought out for her industry knowledge which is an advantage for her clients while doing due diligence and obtaining consent for the transaction from Government and other third parties.
Nick Carne
Director, Delivery, Energy Transition
Keolis Downer
Update on the Metropolitan Projects Panellist
7:15 AM - 7:55 AMBiography
Nick is a highly accomplished and experienced leader with a background in the development and delivery of complex infrastructure projects across a diverse range of industry sectors in Australia, the UK, and Europe.
Nick has significant experience in the fields of Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (EICA), Systems Integration, SCADA and Telemetry; and since relocating to Australia in 2014, he has predominantly worked within the Renewables and Transport sectors, successfully leading the infrastructure design, construction and delivery on some of the first Australian Zero Emission Bus depot transitions.
Nick transferred from Downer EDI to the Keolis team in 2023 to take up the role of Director Delivery for Energy Transition where he leads the delivery of energy transition projects, supporting the development of new decarbonisation strategies to meet PTA ambitions and Keolis’ overall business strategy.
Nick is passionate about the environment and is excited by being able to make a real tangible difference every day through his role and accelerating the journey to a future of Zero Emissions Transport.
Will O'Neill
CEO
Busways
Update on the Metropolitan Projects Panellist
7:15 AM - 7:55 AMBiography
Will O’Neill is CEO of Busways, the largest Australian owned bus operator and most experienced bus specialist. With more than 30 years in finance and strategy – including senior roles at KPMG and EY, and over a decade at Busways – he brings a sharp commercial lens to the challenges of public transport.
Since stepping into the CEO role in 2025, Will has focused on expanding Busways’ capability and leading the integration of zero emission buses in Western Sydney. Under his leadership, the company is delivering large scale depot electrification and working with government clients to develop practical, cost-effective ZEB solutions, pursuing a target of 50% Busways fleet transition by 2034.
Will is recognised for combining financial rigour with industry insight, forging trusted partnerships, and ensuring innovation is commercially sustainable. He will share his perspective on how operators can successfully navigate the shift to zero emission fleets and network operations.
Mark Peters
Executive General Manager, Business Operations
Transit Systems
Update on the Metropolitan Projects Panellist
7:15 AM - 7:55 AMBiography
Mark Peters has 38 years of expertise in the bus industry and his journey, from Automotive Electrician Technician to Executive General Manager Bus Operations, reflects a deep understanding of asset management, bus operations, contracts, e-mobility and innovation. Leading the Transit Systems national operations, including a fleet of around 3,700 buses, across 6 Australian states and territories, Mark plays a pivotal role in steering the company toward sustainable solutions and works with business unit leaders across the Transit Systems Group, influencing the Group to achieve (and exceed) Government contract performance and zero-emission targets. Mark's strategic insights, honed through hands-on experience, position him as a critical industry expert navigating modern transport challenges while championing environmentally conscious solutions.
