Australasian Bus & Coach 397 September 2020 by Prime Group

ABC

AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

ISSUE 397 September 2020 $5.95 inc GST

BUSTECH AND PROTERRA SIGN LANDMARK E-BUS DEAL WEST OZ GOVT FUEL-CELL MINING BUS ANNOUNCEMENT RALLY FOR HELP FAMILY, PRIVATE BUS BUSINESSES UNITE!

SIMPLE ENERGY FOTON HYDROGEN BUS IN 2021 EV PUSH HERE SOON

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WITH YOU for the road ahead. However that looks.

At Volvo Bus, we often refer to ourselves as your ‘business partner’. That couldn’t be more true than in uncertain times like these. We’ve been actively involved in the Australian Bus & Coach industry for nearly 50 years, and that means a lot to us. So, in these unprecedented times, we want to take time thank everyone involved in our industry – operators and their staff, our dealers and their teams, our supplier partners and industry associations who are contributing to provide vital transport solutions for our communities. Whether it’s service support, some preventative maintenance or simply just a chat, we’re with you for the long road ahead. However that looks. www.volvobuses.com.au

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contents ISSUE 397 SEPTEMBER 2020

08 in the know 6. editorial | ignition Family bus companines ‘on the brink’, lockdown protests – it’s all happening, writes editor Cotter. 8. news | the front line We’ve gathered up all the key, hardhitting Australasian and international bus and coach news for you, to keep you in the loop. 20. column | BIC

GETTING PREPARED FOR ELECTRIC Emerging new bus technology sees transition to new energy propulsion, says Michael Apps.

28 4

in focus 26. in focus | volgren veterans

VOLGREN BUS VETERANS CELEBRATED

Two Volgren industry stalwarts are having their combined bus service stints of more than 80 years celebrated via the company’s unique ‘Local Content, Local Jobs’ story series. 28. in focus | transdev melbourne

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE 100-BUS FLEET UPGRADE COMPLETES The final 14 units of Victoria’s single-biggest order of replacement buses in 25 years have headed into service around metropolitan routes. 34. coverstory | foton fuel cell

RISE OF HYDROGEN Foton’s ambition to bring its first electro-mobility buses to Australian soil is much closer than many would expect. With March next year the target

ABC September 2020 busnews.com.au

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Fabian Cotter ph: 0451 194 600 e-mail: fcotter@bauer-media.com.au Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge Contributors: Michael Apps, Anjali Behl

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Art Director: Bea Barthelson Sub-Editor: Cat Fitzpatrick

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www.magshop.com.au e-mail: tbm@magshop.com.au ph: 1300 461 528 between 8am – 6pm (EST) Mon – Fri mail: Magshop, GPO Box 5252, Sydney, NSW, 2001 Annual subscription rates (12 issues): Australia: $89* NZ: $A100.05 Overseas: $A122.50 (Australian air-mail only) *price includes GST

44 and local trials planned, the countdown clock to hitting Aussie roads is ticking – fast. Fabian Cotter finds out more. 44. operator | brisbane bus lines

SERVE WITH CARE Co-MD of family run Brisbane Bus Lines Lara-Jane Mitchell believes one of the greatest strengths of their business is the ability to be flexible and adapt to change. Something her father, Ian Mitchell, can vouch for in his 36-year run in the business. Anjali Behl writes. 62. driven | man blk president

THE FIRST PRESIDENT MAN partnered with Bus and Coach Sales Australasia/Bonluck (BCSA) mid-2019 to give the market a quality yet affordable school/charter vehicle to compete with other OEMs. The MAN Bonluck President is the very first of its kind and aimed specifically at the school bus and charter market. Paul Aldridge reports from Queensland.

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FOR SALE! There’s hundreds of great vehicles and services listed here from some of the leading bus and coach companies on the planet. Have a look around and see what you might find in there! 58. factory facts | bus deliveries

MONTHLY RESULTS We know you love them and so we have the latest bus and coach supplier sales data collected and recorded for you to sink your teeth into. To know who is who and who’s done what simply check it out!

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ISSN 1324-8634 Member: Circulations Audit Board

Circulation 3,502

CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

(CAB Audit, September 2019)

Largest circulating bus and coach magazine in Australasia CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

DISTRIBUTION Distribution within Australia and New Zealand and beyond by paid subscription to the owners and managers of: • route buses • government bus operations • school buses • extended and day tour operations • express coaches • country and charter operations • bus and coach manufacturers • equipment suppliers • tourism attractions • railways management Notice: All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent from the copyright holder.

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IGNITION

FABIAN COTTER

Dazed and confused Bus industry pain, virus ups and downs, protest rallies, fact checking, deleted posts and new political parties. Mate, what is going on?

“E

mancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” What exactly Bob Marley was on when coming up with such epic lyrics is probably more an issue of quantity and quality than mere type, but their guiding resonance, soul soothing for the masses – and even just individuals - in varying contexts can do much good. The pandemic-stress elephant isn’t just in the room for many of us out there in bus land; it’s pulled up a seat nice and close with a little mask on his trunk, trying to do as recommended while questioning its effectiveness and relevance, waiting for the circus to get back on the road. Yep, right about now, said elephant is picturing stale old peanuts as immeasurable bliss even against the backdrop of the pain and angst from the ringmaster’s whip cracks and cattle-prods. Not good. I say this because over the months we have heard bits and pieces of what people are going through, and just when you think maybe it might not be that bad, this continues to go on and on – and it is all taking its toll. As I am writing this, a mobile bus rally is on its way to the NSW Parliament house – a bonding of about 60 family and independent bus businesses demonstrating that they are doing it tough and need help. As I’m sure their plights are mirrored Australasia-wide, our thoughts are with them as they highlight the financial, mental and probably physical toll this is taking on them. We wish them well. And on that note, a gentle reminder that there is a range of great outlets to seek support from, available from the federal government via HealthDirect and BeyondBlue and also closer to the bus industry like BIC’s Healthwise Corner with Nikki Brouwers from Navigate Health. Seriously, if anyone needs to reach out to them, just ‘emancipate your mind’ and contact them. You will feel better for even doing so.

BUS REPRESENTATION Speaking of BIC, it’s doing some great 6

work representing the pandemic’s impact to us as a whole to government, with extensions to JobKeeper sought to help many bus businesses of all sizes stay in the game as best possible. It is a balancing act between employee rights and keeping businesses going, but in the short-term hopefully things can all come together. Only recently did BIC report our industry being mentioned at high levels, with long-standing NSW operator Crowthers being the case in point.

PROVOKING THOUGHTS What a month it has been, which again feels longer than ever, with much seemingly going on. From mass lockdown protests here and overseas to vaccine ‘successes’ and vaccine ‘problems’. To cases up to cases down. From borders open to borders closed. Man, it’s all happening. Even the Magna Carta’s been bandied about and I’ve not heard that since school. Felt like a millennia and thought it was a new Italian dish for a second there. ;). It gave me a good chance to do some refreshing, though, which led me to the

Also inside we re-visit industry favourite Brisbane Bus Lines, whose new premises is looking great at a time the company’s adjusting to pandemic-induced change for now. Lara-Jane Mitchell represents the next gen holding the fort and steering the ship through these tough times. In terms of test drive reviews we visit Queensland once again to sample MAN’s latest project on a classy BLK President body. Whisper quiet and with ample grunt for its needs, reviewer Paul Aldridge seemed to be a big fan. In addition to this, our In Focus pieces check out Transdev Melbourne’s big Scania bus fleet upgrade completion while also paying tribute to two veteran Volgren employees with in excess of a combined 80 years of bus experience between them. Great stuff! Now, there was some big news over the past month; Bustech’s in a technical partnership with North America’s Proterra, the WA government’s announced a big hydrogen push for its mining industry – ultimately there’s some Hyzon fuel-cell coaches in the mix of that – and MAN-Penske has started its key Surfside

“The pandemic-stress elephant isn’t just in the room for many of us out there in bus land; it’s pulled up a seat nice and close.” powerful Australian Constitution and who does what and why - and for whom. Great stuff on some government websites got me away from the bleedin’ television. Loved it! Perfect de-stress time and a good cuppa and a few chocolate bickies methinks. Ah, now this is living… :)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE… ABC magazine Issue 397 hears exclusively about Foton Australia’s new EV bus range coming here soon, with its hydrogen fuel-cell city bus gracing this month’s cover. With Foton’s first fuel-cell buses appearing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games, it firmly has had its hat in this ring for a while now, so it will be interesting to see how it handles the Aussie conditions.

Queensland bus order. Volvo Bus Australia is also gearing up for its 50th anniversary celebrations next year and, by the time you read this, the UITP Zero-Emissions Bus online forum gets underway soon. Australian bus deliveries took a bit of hit in August, though – but that was to be anticipated at some point and in an industry-historical context it’s still better than it has been. Still, it is what it is. We can’t make up the news, we just report it. Because making up the news and reporting it to change and influence people’s thoughts, opinions and decisions would be very, very bad. In fact, it’s basically evil in a can. But I digress. Until the next thrilling instalment…

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Simply better – from A to B and then C Yutong delivers quality and comfort you can trust. In a world where it’s as much about the journey as the comfort and reliability. Our commitment to technology and design has made us the world’s largest bus manufacturer – with vehicles known across the globe for their reliability, safety and drive comfort. Fully customisable for a range of uses, Yutong buses and coaches are rigorously safety-tested and fully backed with nationwide service and parts support. Simply better – for every journey and every destination.

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NEWS

while ensuring overall vehicle manufacturing and assembly is consistent with local supply chains on shore in Australia, they state. Operating as a core technology partner, Proterra will provide training and development support to strengthen Bustech’s in-country service network and experience with the battery product, ABC confirms.

BUSTECH AND PROTERRA IN LANDMARK E-BUS DEAL NORTH AMERICAN electric bus innovator Proterra and Australian bus builder Bustech are to collaborate on making e-buses for the local market, the companies announced recently. The selection of Proterra Powered battery technology for Bustech’s new ZDi 12.5-metre all-electric transit bus represents Proterra’s official entry into the Australian bus market, it states. “Everybody within our organisation is extremely excited to be in a partnership with Proterra,” said Bustech CEO and ex-ZF executive Thinus Steyn. “We have up-skilled the group over the last six months with the capacity and capability to bring the ZDi Proterra Powered electric vehicle to market in early 2021 and have a significant number of orders in the pipeline, which we have been working on in advance of the announcement of our partnership,” Steyn said. Under the partnership, Bustech will incorporate Proterra’s battery technology into the single-deck ZDi’s integrated chassis systems, Bustech’s parent entity Australia Bus Corporation (ABC) confirms. The Proterra battery system for the ZDi will feature 450kWh capacity, which will enable an estimated 325km of driving range on a single charge, the company claims. The vehicle can fully charge in about two hours, it adds. 8

DOUBLE-DECK E-BUSES? “Our best-in-class battery technology platform has been proven in more than 13 million service miles driven by our fleet of battery electric transit buses in the United States and Canada. Now, we look forward to delivering the benefits of Proterra Powered clean, quiet electric vehicles to even more people around the world,” said Jack Allen, Proterra CEO and chairman. Group managing director at Bustech and Precision Buses, Christian Reynolds, stated: “This relationship reflects the intended transformation within the current market. Being able to bring a US technology company like Proterra to Australia is a fantastic opportunity to assist in the rapid growth expectations and maturing of BEVs in Australia. “Together with Proterra, we have aspirations to quickly scale in the market. We see this solution scaling across all variants of vehicle within our range, including articulated and double-decker buses.”

Pictured: The Proterra battery system for the ZDi will feature 450kWh capacity, which will enable an estimated 325km of driving range on a single charge, the company claims.

Proterra batteries are manufactured with safety mechanisms built directly into the battery architecture and have undergone extensive testing to meet the exacting safety standards, the company says. Proterra battery systems incorporate Proterra’s patented technology, monitoring sensors throughout the battery pack, and passive propagation resistance, which isolates individual battery cells in the rare case of a thermal event to prevent wider spread, it explains. “We have been really impressed with the battery technology from Proterra, with its energy density and inbuilt control system. This will translate into a vehicle with unparalleled performance and safety,” said Gregg Dinning, Bustech’s chief technical officer. “Our aim is to introduce product

“Our aim is to introduce product which is deployable into operating networks without having to remodel the full fleet or depot service model.”

THE BATTERIES According to Proterra, its battery packs incorporate advanced features such as liquid cooling with an active thermal management system that will ensure optimal charging and maximise battery life by maintaining a constant battery temperature in Australia’s demanding climate. The technical partnership will use Proterra’s battery technology

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which is deployable into operating networks without having to remodel the full fleet or depot service model. “By delivering an estimated 325km range per drive cycle we can support operators through adoption and roll-out of full electric vehicles, based on the battery energy levels, whilst acknowledging and dealing with the specific climatic conditions we face in Australia,” Dinning added.

LOCAL JOBS Established in 1995, Bustech developed the first electric bus in Australia and is recognised as a leader in innovation and electric vehicle product development in the Australasian market, it states. In 2019, Bustech joined with the Australian Bus Corporation (ABC) to form the largest bus manufacturer in Australia. The partnership with Proterra will deliver a vehicle designed for maximum range and support Bustech’s commitment to creating local jobs and engaging the local supply chain, it says. Australia continues to be a global leader in adopting electric transit vehicles as more states and municipalities commit to bold transportation electrification targets, it highlights. In 2019, the NSW State Government announced plans to transition its fleet of approximately 8,000 transit buses to all-electric.

OEM SUPPLY Proterra Powered leverages Proterra’s electric vehicle technology and expertise to help commercial vehicle manufacturers electrify their vehicles, it says. As an OEM that uses its own battery technology to power its fleet of heavy-duty electric transit buses, Proterra brings more than a decade of experience manufacturing, testing and delivering EVs, it states. To date, Proterra Powered has helped world-class OEMs like Thomas Built Bus, Van Hool, FCCC, and Optimal-EV introduce 100 per cent battery-electric vehicles that are powered by Proterra electric vehicle technology, it confirms.

MAN-PENSKE SURFSIDE CITY BUS ORDER STARTS The first of a 15-bus MAN-chassis fleet to Queensland-based Surfside Buslines has started, with the Bustech and Volgrenbodied units due for service on the Gold Coast and in the NSW Tweed Shire, local distributor Penske Australia reports. According to the company, the 15 MAN LE 19.320 Euro 5 route buses are low entry and low floor ensuring, “…great accessibility along with unparalleled comfort for drivers and passengers.” With the first unit delivered on August, 24 2020, the remainder of the units are scheduled for delivery between now and the end of the year, the company explains. “MAN Truck & Bus and Penske Australia have a long-standing relationship with Surfside Buslines’ sister company SkyBus in Australia and New Zealand, so it’s fantastic to be able to extend our partnership to Surfside Buslines, now part of Kinetic Group,” said Crinel Geaboc, head of bus and coach at Penske Australia. “Surfside Buslines was looking for a low-entry solution that was very reliable, fuel efficient, and high performing with outstanding service intervals, and the LE 19.320 Euro 5 delivers exactly that. “At 320hp [239kW], the Euro 5 engine is powerful yet economical and whisper-quiet making it ideal for highly-populated areas. “This 4x2 RC2 configuration has a favourably high gross vehicle mass of 19 tonnes and comes with an electronicallycontrolled air suspension and an electronic braking system. “We are confident that these buses will be well accepted by the team at Surfside

Buslines and members of the public,” Geaboc explained.

ABOUT PENSKE Penske Australia is a leading supplier of the world’s finest heavy-duty trucks, diesel engines, gas engines, and power systems. Distributing the Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Dennis Eagle, MTU, Detroit, and Allison Transmission brands, the company operates across the most dynamic markets including on-highway and various off-highway industries such as mining, power generation, construction and industrial, rail, marine, oil and gas, agriculture, and defence, it states. Penske Australia also represents aftermarket products from leading oil, coolant, and filter brands, it confirms. It is also the appointed retail dealer of these brands across select locations providing full retail sales, service, and parts functions, it says. With more than 950 employees, the company is, “…committed to providing the most comprehensive 24/7 after-sales support through a network of strategically located branches and field locations, and more than 100 dealers,” it adds. Penske Australia is wholly owned by international transportation services company, Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), and operates independently to service its customer base. Above L-R: John Schneider, technical support rep Bus; Crinel Geaboc, head of bus and coach at Penske Australia; and Mark Nichols – regional sales manager MAN Bus.

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director Paul Davies said: “With the market’s widest range of clean buses, we have been able to meet National Express Group’s fleet requirements as it begins the transition from buying diesel to zero-emission buses, allowing us to grow our long-standing relationship. “We look forward to continuing to support National Express as it moves towards the bold target of having a fully zero emission bus fleet in the West Midlands by 2030.”

TANGIBLE BENEFITS

INITIAL NATIONAL EXPRESS DOUBLE-DECK E-BUS ORDER COMPLETES AS PART OF a batch of 29 ADL-BYD Enviro400EV double-deck electric buses aiding UK operator National Express making its zero-emission transition, the remaining 10 units have been delivered for service in Coventry, the companies jointly announced recently. Following the first 19 buses starting service in Birmingham earlier this year, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD Europe jointly announced the delivery of the remaining 10 double-deckers in line with the operator’s pledge to “never buy another diesel bus”. ADL is a subsidiary of leading independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. (NFI), while BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility, they state. With the latest “clean buses” having entered service in Coventry, it links the city centre and University Hospital, the companies explain. Built to National Express’s Platinum standard, the 10.9m-long ADL-BYD Enviro400EV offers extra legroom for up to 65 seated passengers, as well as USB chargers and free Wi-Fi, ADL confirms. An advanced heat pump system ensures that saloon heating power is supplied efficiently from the main 10

batteries without unduly impacting operational range, it adds.

OPTIMISED ENERGY To simplify the transition to electric buses for National Express, the 382kW/h BYD iron-phosphate batteries on each vehicle are maintained by Zenobe Energy – one the UK’s largest owner-operators of mobile and stationary batteries – which provides them to the operator along with the charging system at the depot and a software platform that helps monitor and optimise energy use, ADL explains. David Bradford, managing director of National Express Bus, said: “Buses are already one of the cleanest ways to travel and as a leading transport operator we are determined to go even further. “Earlier this year we announced our ambition to have a zero-emission bus fleet from 2030, so we’re very proud that National Express is bringing fully electric buses to the people of Coventry. “By working together in partnership we are determined to improve bus services and drive down pollution and emissions, which contribute to poor air quality and climate change.” ADL president and managing

Above and Below: “Were very proud that National Express is bringing fully electric buses to the people of Coventry,” said David Bradford, managing director of National Express Bus.

BYD (UK) managing director Frank Thorpe said: “The commitment to a zero-emissions fleet from National Express is as commendable as it is bold, and is indicative of more and more public transport operators who see electrification in particular as a viable long-term solution for their scheduled routes. “Our BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-decker is a proven product, already in service with a growing number of customers, delivering tangible operational benefits and providing safe, quiet, emissions-free transport for their passengers.” Zenobe Energy co-founder Steven Meersman said: “We are delighted to see our partnership with National Express, ADL and BYD expand to Coventry in our second joint depot in the Midlands. “This project perfectly demonstrates how Zenobe’s seamless solutions, powered by our proprietary management software that guarantees charging levels and battery range over the life of the vehicles, helps National Express meet its net-zero commitments in a frictionless, financially sustainable way.”

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FAMILY BUS BUSINESSES ‘ON THE BRINK’ DOZENS of family owned and independent bus operators and businesses are “on the brink of collapse, thousands of drivers could lose their jobs and ‘mum and dad’ operators stand to lose their homes”, as an impact of Covid-19 restrictions, according to NSW bus rally organisers. To highlight their plight and lobby for a government rescue package, desperate small bus company owners rallied outside NSW Parliament on Wednesday, September 16. Spokesman Rod Williams, who owns Near or Far Bus & Coach in the state’s Blue Mountains region, says while smaller bus companies were grateful for government help, such as JobKeeper, many aspects of the industry had been overlooked. As “forgotten victims of the Covid-19 fallout”, small bus and

coach companies needed help with crippling costs like depot rental payments, vehicle registration, insurances, fuel costs and toll fees to remain viable and provide job security for employees, he explained. The group is calling for the state government to share transport work with all accredited operators in NSW rather than just large companies, he added. Within 24 hours on March 15–16, “everything was stripped from our calendar” as travel restrictions put the brakes on school excursions, community group outings and sightseeing tours, Williams explains. A second round of cancellations when the Victorian pandemic worsened gouged his business further, he says. Cyril Govender of Cyril’s Coach Tours at Narellan and Andy Leonello of Al Tours at Luddenham – who relied on the school transport

market – haven’t ‘turned the wheel’ of their vehicles since March. While owners were grateful for JobKeeper payments, which ensured they could keep many staff, the allowance did not cover vehicle maintenance and running costs. As the end-of-loan repayment holiday periods loom, bus owners who invested in their business before the pandemic now face foreclosure on their vehicles because they are unable to meet the payments, the group says.

Below: The mobile bus rally group is calling for the NSW State Government to share transport work with all accredited operators in NSW rather than just large companies, it pleads.

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WA INVESTING IN HYDROGEN MINING BUSES AS PART of a major Western Australia Government announcement on renewable hydrogen production, use and the de-carbonisation of vehicle fleets, Hyzon Motors fuel-cell buses will power Fortescue Metals Group’s mining industry “carbon-neutral pursuit”, it’s been announced. Fortescue Metals Group Ltd’s selection of Hyzon to deploy its hydrogen fuel cell-powered coaches to the Christmas Creek iron ore mine – as part of Fortescue’s commitment to accelerating emissions reduction in its mining operations – will mean hydrogen-powered coaches operating in the Pilbara mining region of Western Australia as a direct replacement of traditional diesel coaches, it states. Hyzon Motors fuel-cell coaches will start operating in the Pilbara from mid-2021, it reports. Previous deployments of fuel-cell buses were limited to city cycles, where the average speed is very low, Hyzon explains. Higher powered fuel cells from Hyzon, typically deployed in trucks, will be used to ensure suitable performance from hydrogen coaches, it confirms. Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial component of the future energy landscape, with the heavy transport and equipment sector 12

becoming a key target for the implementation of clean energy alternatives by the mining industry. “It is an honour to be entrusted with this important step in the decarbonisation journey being undertaken by a leading global mining company, and Hyzon Motors is committed to deploying not only zero-emission vehicles, but also the most reliable vehicles operating in the Pilbara region of Western Australia,” said Craig Knight, co-founder of Hyzon Motors. Julie Shuttleworth, Fortescue deputy chief executive officer, said: “Fortescue’s history of developing and adopting innovation and technology has been key to achieving our industry-leading cost position and we are applying this technology-first strategy to our hydrogen initiatives to ensure we remain at the forefront of this emerging industry. “Fortescue’s mobile fleet represents around 400 to 450 million litres of diesel consumption per year and presents a significant opportunity for hydrogen to be used as a replacement fuel source to accelerate emissions reduction and diversify our energy mix,” Shuttleworth explained.

as one of the most promising applications for hydrogen in Australia’s ‘National Hydrogen Strategy’, which was commissioned by the COAG Energy Council in November 2019, and was also highlighted as highly impactful by the Hydrogen for Transport study commissioned by the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to investigate the factors in establishing hydrogen as a ubiquitous fuel in Australia by 2030.

Pictured: Hyzon Motors fuel-cell coaches will start operating in the Pilbara from mid-2021, it reports.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with this important step in the decarbonisation journey.”

WHY MINING? Heavy transport was identified

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2020 ONLINE ZEROEMISSION BUS FORUM ANNOUNCED EIGHT INTERACTIVE online sessions will constitute the first zero-emissions bus (ZEB) forum for the Australasian region, to be held October 1–November 19, organiser The International Association of Public Transport in Australia New Zealand (UITPANZ) has announced, recently. The event – with ‘premium sponsor’ Transport for NSW and ‘gold sponsors’ Arup and L.E.K. Consulting – over the eight sessions will include webinars and a World Café, UITPANZ confirms. According to organisers it will, “bring together public transport authorities, policymakers, operators, OEMs and bus manufacturers, technology and energy providers, charging solution suppliers

and battery manufacturers, consultants and researchers to share knowledge and collaborate on the future of ZEBs in Australia and New Zealand”. UITPANZ executive director Michelle Batsas and general manager Angé Anczewska will facilitate the ZEB Forum, with the goal being to shape the future of sustainable mobility in Australia and New Zealand, they state. “Covid-19 has presented many challenges for the public transport

industry, but authorities and operators are eager to seize the chance to make our transport systems more sustainable,” Batsas said. “Public transport is vital to a clean, healthy future for our communities and the ZEB Forum will be pivotal in shaping that vision.” Full details and registrations for the ZEB Forum are available at https:// encore.com.au/UITP/ZEB-Forum/ register.php

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aviation sectors, and while the vehicles, routes and altitude may be different, we are people serving people – and the expectations around safe, friendly and professional service remain the same,” Birch said. “We are proud to have such amazing talent joining us at Transdev,” he added.

BRISBANE BOUND

EX-AVIATION STAFF NOW IN NEW BUS ROLES AN INCREASING NUMBER of former employees collectively from Australasia’s biggest airlines are now quickly adapting their skills to work ‘closer to the ground’, finding work with public transport provider Transdev, the company states. Close to 30 ex-airline staffers thus far have transitioned as new employees to public transport from the aviation sector since March and the company was fielding increased interest, confirms Transdev Australasia’s chief People and Culture officer Paul Birch. “To their credit, governments in Australia and New Zealand have continued to support public transport services during the pandemic, keeping our cities’ vital transport options open to those in our community who rely on it, and this means we’ve been in the positive position of being able to offer new employment opportunities,” Birch said. “The aviation sector is renowned for its focus on safety, operational excellence, and a strong customer service culture, which are areas that 14

very much align with our business and the public transport industry at large. “Already our new employees are making a noticeable contribution to the business, commencing roles as trainee train drivers or bus drivers, customer service, or in corporate services.”

GOOD SPREAD Of the current 27 ex-aviation employees, their new roles have been shared across Transdev’s Australian and New Zealand operations with 13 based in Auckland and the remainder in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Previous roles held by Transdev’s new recruits range from domestic and international pilots, cabin crew, guest services, trainers and ground staff, confirms Transdev. Birch himself was a previous veteran of the aviation sector, having worked for both Ansett in Australia and Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, the company states. “There are a lot of synergies between the public transport and

Above: Ex-Qantas 787-9 second officer Chris Davis [left] and ex-Jetstar 787-8 first officer Clint Butcher now both drive urban and charter services at Transdev Brisbane.

Ex-Qantas 787-9 second officer Chris Davis and ex-Jetstar 787-8 first officer Clint Butcher have both started working with Transdev Brisbane. Commentating to ABC magazine about their roles, Chris Davis said: “It’s really good to have secure employment, after being stood down, and not too many prospects in the aviation sector.” “The company has been fantastic. The role itself, bus driving - there are a lot of similarities to our day-to-day work as pilots.” “The role of bus driving is a lot more face-to-face, though this is no different to previous roles that we’ve had as pilots in smaller aircraft.” Clint Butcher added: “I feel like it has been a fairly easy transition from flying to bus driving. There’s not too many dissimilarities to the roles, obviously one is being in an aircraft and the other is in a bus. Aviation – much the same as bus driving – is primarily about customer service. “In both instances it is the passengers that we are here for. It is about getting them from point A to B as efficiently and as safely as possible. “In both aviation and bus driving there is an expectation that it’s going to be a safe journey.”

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AAT KINGS ANNOUNCES NEW CEO BRINGING A WEALTH of tourism experience, The Travel Corporation (TTC) has announced Matt Fuller as the new CEO of AAT Kings Group, replacing outgoing CEO Matthew Cameron-Smith, who joins Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia as CEO, it’s reported recently. As of September 21, Fuller is leading a combined team across AAT Kings’ Guided Holidays, Short Breaks and Day Tours, as well as its Small Group collection, Inspiring Journeys, SEIT Outback Australia and Down Under Tours, TTC explains. Fuller has worked in private and publicly listed companies, a Packer family business, NSW Government Business Enterprises and, more recently, in Transport for NSW. He has also served as a non-executive director and trustee on a number of boards, including the Sydney Opera House, TTC states. “I am thrilled to take on the role as CEO for the AAT Kings Group, such a well-respected brand and company to be a part of,” Fuller stated. “It’s been an incredibly tough year for

tourism and a challenging road ahead, which is why our communities need us now more than ever – I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with the industry to aid in the road to recovery. “I strongly believe in tourism and the very positive role it will play in our economic recovery, and to ensure a smooth transition for when the borders open up,” he said. TTC director David Hosking commented: “We are delighted to welcome Matt to our team. Matt’s keen commercial acumen and proven leadership capability, valuable relationships, ability to establish a culture of operational excellence - and track record of delivering quality customer, community and business outcomes - are all assets to the AAT Kings Group as we go forward in providing immediate support in our operations.”

SIGNIFICANT RECOGNITION An operator at heart, Fuller has led single-site and multiple-location-based operations, holding state and national level responsibilities to deliver exciting,

Above: “I am thrilled to take on the role as CEO for the AAT Kings Group, such a well-respected brand and company to be a part of,” Matt Fuller stated.

high profile projects, TTC states. Fuller is particularly well known for creating a new business model for the Taronga Western Plains Zoo – leading the design and development of a capital-investment programme that delivered key assets, including three unique adventure-accommodation properties and other complementary infrastructure.

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NEWS

VOLVO BUS AUSTRALIA NEARS 50TH BIRTHDAY THE RETRO SPOTLIGHT is shining on select historic Volvo buses as the Swedish manufacturer prepares to celebrate 50 years of operating in Australia, it reports. The significant milestone is helping highlight key bus and coach clubs and groups nationwide – such as the Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society (TBCS) – where retro collections harbour iconic vehicles that keep alive Volvo’s long bus history in the Australasian region, it states. TBSC currently owns 11 vintage buses, three of which are Volvos. These historic Volvo buses include: a 1978 B58/PMC; a 1985 B10M/PMC artic; and a 1988 B10M/Custom Hyliner touring coach. TBSC secretary Neil Robins also personally owns an impressive 1980 Volvo B58/Volgren Hess-bodied bus. The 1978 Volvo B58/PMC – nicknamed ‘Tassie Bluebird’ – has a history of its own and has spent its whole life in Tasmania, Volvo states. It was acquired by the society in 2016 and has won numerous awards throughout the years. The 1985 Volvo B10M/PMC artic was previously a Metropolitan Transport Trust/Metro Tasmania bus and was the oldest bus in state government service when donated to the society. The 1988 Volvo B10M/Custom Hyliner is the society’s latest addition 16

and was donated by Rob/Fruncine Sainty from Launceston in April, 2020, and was originally with Westbus NSW and Coachlink QLD. As for Robins’s 1980 Volvo B58/Volgren Hess body, it is the first articulated bus in Tasmania and also the very first Volvo bus Neil ever drove many years ago – which he has now owned for four years.

FOND MEMORIES Robins says the society boasts an impressive collection of historic Volvo buses among others. With 37 years working in the bus industry, Robbins has lived and breathed buses for as long as he can remember, says Volvo, and that he recalls fond memories as a child being surrounded by buses in his local community. With buses being his main mode of transport, he got to know every

Above, Below: “To see the vehicles in such great condition in this collection and the passion for the Volvo product is really inspiring for the team at Volvo Bus as we approach our 50year milestone,” acting general manger Volvo Bus Australia, David Mead, said.

community bus driver in his area, as well as the different bus makes and models, it explains. Robins’s love for buses continued into his youth and adulthood, where he landed his first job in the industry as a community bus driver at Redline Coaches, Tasmania. Here he spent years passionately working for Redline and would later be promoted to the role of operating manager. It was in 2010 that Robins and other Tasmanian bus enthusiasts created the Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society, in response to a need to establish a body for Tasmanian bus and transport enthusiasts, where he became the secretary, Volvo explains.

A LIVING MUSEUM The society quickly became established and was recognised for conducting unique and enthralling enthusiast bus tours showcasing Tasmania’s spectacular scenery and unique transport vehicles and operators, Volvo explains. Robins proudly describes his tour as Australia’s only “living museum” in actively exhibiting across Tasmania to the public, covering anywhere from 30km to more than 600km in one tour. However, in order to embark on these great tours, the Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society spends many of its hours up keeping and preserving the integrity of its historic vehicles, it adds. “My future vision for the Society is having a fully enclosed depot which can operate as a Museum as well, opening to the public, said Robins. “I am trying to get others more involved, so I can step back and let the younger brigade take on the reins, but the prime goal at moment is to establish the premises we already have and to develop it more with extended undercover areas,” he said. Acting general manger Volvo Bus Australia David Mead said: “It is absolutely wonderful to see people like Neil the members of the Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society preserving the true spirit, passion and history of the bus industry.”

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VOLVO REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS KEY TO BUSLINES ESSENTIAL SERVICES NSW RURAL operator Buslines – covering various isolated and scattered depots and workshops across the state – has streamlined its essential service operations using its majority Volvo bus fleet via Volvo’s Connected Services, the company reports. Volvo’s Connected Services has been at the forefront of these solutions and has been a guiding force in providing unparalleled diagnostic services remotely, with efficiency and accuracy, Volvo states. Buslines Group CEO Peter Ferris believes Volvo’s Connected Services has streamlined the essential service operations for its Volvo vehicles. “Having been a customer with Volvo Bus Australia for the past 19 years, we are continuously impressed with their technology and service advancements,” said Ferris.

“For Buslines Group, Volvo’s Connected Services has been an absolute dream in giving us real-time diagnostics, data updates and seamless solutions,” he explained. According to Volvo Bus, remote diagnostics provides the opportunity to identify issues remotely in order to optimise operating efficiencies – ultimately, keeping buses on the road for longer. Buslines’ Group fleet and maintenance manager Aaron Neilson explains the benefit of using the technology across a large number of workshops, recounting a recent example of a warning light showing on a bus on a route in Byron Bay. The workshop team was able to log on remotely, check-in on the fault and make the call whether to bring the bus

back to the workshop at Lismore, or for it to finish its run. It’s the flexibility and peace of mind, he says, that is only available via Volvo’s Connected Services offering. Neilson also credits the strong relationship with Volvo’s regional service manager Daniel Coleman as another reason he can trust his Volvo fleet is in the best condition it can be in.

With over 1000 employees across Australia and New Zealand, Penske is an iconic brand in both the business and racing worlds and a Fortune 500 company with a global presence. Operating across some of the most dynamic on- and off-highway markets in the country, Penske is a leading distributor of commercial vehicles from MAN Truck & Bus, Western Star Trucks, and Dennis Eagle, as well as diesel engines, gas engines, and power systems, from MTU, Detroit, and Allison Transmission, with related parts and service support.

• Provision of customer service excellence to maintain and improve service levels. • Manage the CRM system and other applicable systems to ensure accurate details recorded. • Provide Sales activity reports to support achievement of agreed sales targets and customer activities. • Educate customers on product benefits and whole of life value proposition. • Participate in relevant industry conferences and seminars.

About the Role

Why choose Team Penske?

• Based in Sydney (Chipping Norton). • An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the right candidate.

NOW

HIRING Lexi Nunn Talent Acquisition Specialist P: +61 2 9794 2600 M: +61 439 486 719 E: lnunn@penske.com.au W: penske.com.au

Above: Volvo Bus Australia has “proudly supported” Buslines over the past 19 years after Ray Andrich, Volvo Bus Australia’s regional sales manager [pictured R], sold the operator its first B7R in 2001, Volvo Bus confirms.

As a result of continued growth, we are looking for an innovative and passionate Regional Sales Person to further grow our market share. Working with the world-leading brand MAN this is your opportunity to deep dive into the dynamic transport solution world these buses will take you.

Key Responsibilities

• Sell MAN bus products and services to customers in-line with budgeted targets and stock clearance priorities. • Account manage large and prominent accounts within the region. • Apply technical expertise on MAN products to agree and record Bus or Coach specifications with customers.

At Penske, we know it is our people at the heart of our success and we want to make sure you have everything you need to do a great job. That is why as well as a great work environment, we offer the following benefits: • Accredited Training & Development programs; • Commitment to providing the highest levels of safety, technical and leadership training; • Global, multi-site business offering career opportunities in multiple locations; • Reward and recognition programs; • Employee Referral Program; • Discounted health insurance; • Competitive private vehicle leasing options; • Employee Assistance Program; • Family friendly benefits including paid parental leave.

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NEWS

NZ GO BUS SELECTS SIEMENS FOR E-BUS CHARGING GLOBAL TECH giant Siemens has won the rights to provide e-bus charging infrastructure to New Zealand operator Go Bus, the company has announced. Go Bus – as one of NZ’s largest bus operators – chose Siemens to power 34 buses at Go Bus depots in Christchurch and Auckland - using plug-in CCS2 charging technology – it confirms. The charging infrastructure will support 25 electric buses in Christchurch – the city’s first large-scale electric bus fleet – and nine buses in Auckland, which will operate on a new electric airport link, Siemens explains. The operations are scheduled to start in early 2021, it states. The Siemens Sicharge UC range grants bus operators optimal flexibility when planning electric bus depots by providing highly efficient infrastructure designed to be future proofed against rapid advances in battery technology. It also is said to enable bus operators to economically expand charging infrastructure with up to five dispensers plus a pantograph per charging centre. Jeff Connolly, CEO of Siemens Australia Pacific and head of Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure portfolio in the region said: “We’re proud to see our technology play a pivotal part in fulfilling New Zealand’s low-carbon future. “It’s critical to have a long-term view of transport infrastructure – one that centres around the effective and efficient use of the right technology and seamless movement of people,” said Connolly.

UNIVERSAL FIT The Go Bus project demonstrates the advantage of Siemens’ vehicle-agnostic charging infrastructure, which will integrate with eBuses from both Chinese OEM Yutong and local New Zealand OEM Global Bus Ventures, to deliver future-proofed charging solutions, says Siemens. The reporting and monitoring function of Siemens’ Charging Management Software will enable Go Bus to centrally monitor all charging infrastructure across two cities and easily report on key metrics including 18

THE WOT!?!

PACK YOUR SANGERS

Prefer the scenic route? Adventures Overland has announced that it will be launching a 70-day bus route from UK to India in 2021, with stops in 18 countries. Covering 20,000km, passengers will be able to buy tickets for the full journey, or opt to travel for one of four legs. Adventures Overland’s founders, Sanjay Madan and Tushar Agarwal, currently hold the Guinness World Record for longest journey in a foreign country, covering over 17,000km in Australia across 28 days. Epic! Below: Jeff Connolly, CEO Siemens Australia Pacific and head of Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure portfolio in the region.

electricity savings, it confirms. Smart management functionality will also enable Go Bus to schedule charging to take advantage to lower overnight tariffs while ensuring that individual buses have reached the desired state of charge by the time they are needed for the next day’s operations, it explains.

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING The charging system in the Christchurch depot will include 12 ‘SiCharge UC 200 Charging Centers’ with dispensers powering 25 parking spaces with up to 200kW, Siemens explains. In Auckland, there will be five of these systems as well as two SiCharge UC 100 stations with a charging power of up to 125kW, supplying a total of nine eBuses. Both solutions provide plug-in CCS2 depot charging overnight or for top-up charging between scheduled bus services during the day, it says. The Sicharge UC family supports battery voltages from 10V up to 1,000V, Siemens says. Current eBuses available in the New Zealand market average between 600V to 700V, but future bus batteries are expected to use higher voltages to enable faster charging, it explains. Additionally, the charging system uses open communication standards as Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) to interact with different backend software; for example, for charging management, it states.

GOOD DEEDS

It’s been a rough time for public transport, but one kind stranger in Wellington has been helping out by leaving free face masks for commuters at a bus stop in the city. “It’s so nice and heartwarming to know that Wellingtonians are all doing their bit and banding together to help each other in this crazy time,” said a passerby interviewed by 1 NEWS. Meanwhile, over in Melbourne, local company Melbmart has been taking inspiration from PT in the city and making masks that match the upholstery of trams and trains. Just in case you were craving that commute…

FARE-FREE FORAY

LA’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced that it is working on a proposal to make Metro buses and trains free to use. A plan is expected by the end of the year as part of the Fareless System Initiative. Metro CEO Phil Washington said that the initiative would increase use of public transport, leading to fewer cars on the road and improvements in air quality. If it comes to fruition, this would be the first large transit system in the world to be free to use.

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TRUST THE LEADER IN BRAKES. At Meritor we have a heritage of building world class axles that stretches back over 100 years. This year, in Australia we’re celebrating. It’s been 50 years since the first Australian-built axle rolled out of our Sunshine facility in Melbourne. Today, as the world’s largest independent manufacturer of axles and the first-fit of choice on so many Australian trucks we maintain our high commitment to support our customers with a range of quality components proven to perform under Australian conditions. We look forward to another 50 years here in Australia. meritorpartsonline.com.au | (613) 8353 6050 | cvaau.sales@meritor.com

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BIC

MICHAEL APPS

Getting prepared for electric Emerging new bus technology sees transition to new energy propulsion.

Michael Apps BIC executive director PO Box 6171, Kingston ACT 2604 p: 02 6247 5990 f: 02 6273 1035 e: admin@bic.asn.au

am going to make a call and predict that the widespread use of electric buses will take some time to achieve based on the core fact that we are still buying low emission diesel buses as our core ‘transporter’ today because the fact remains – they are so economic and emission efficient. It is evident that state and territory governments are looking with increasing interest at electric bus fleets to operate their public transport and school services. Why wouldn’t they? All have signed up to net zero emissions by 2050 and all are close to or are dealing with an ageing bus fleet. With a number of electric trials underway around Australia, we may start to see some solid commitment by governments to move to fully electric fleets. NSW took an early lead in October last year committing to transition 8,000 buses to fully electric to support its state goals of net zero emission by 2050. On September 9 this year the ACT Labor government, ahead of the territory election in October, launched its plan to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. If ACT Labor wins the upcoming election this will see, in its first term, the purchase of 90 electric buses, the build of a zero-emission bus depot and upgrade of the Woden depot with electric bus infrastructure. The Victorian government meanwhile is currently committed to procuring 50 hybrid electric buses, to be delivered by 2022. I am inclined to think that bus technology may become fully electric (in a 30-year time frame) based on a transition that takes into account the Australian circumstance when it comes to the existing (clean) diesel fleet and a range of other factors (such as increases in the price of diesel). The decision to move to hybrid technology by the Victorian government in June last year in some way reflects the realities of the Australian bus marketplace and the challenges of introducing a fully electric bus fleet in the context of a low-emission Euro 6 diesel bus that delivers significant reliability and whole-oflife benefits, as well as, surprisingly to some, emission benefits.

The take up of electric ‘alternative propulsion’ buses by states and territories requires a transitional approach taking into consideration a number of key issues. The existing Australian bus fleet has an average age of 12 years or less in most states and territories, with an expected full bus life of 20 to 25 years. A national maximum age of 25 years should be considered with a compulsory bus frame test at 20 years. Modern diesel is extremely competitive in a wholeof-life and emissions sense, especially when compared to the cost of new electric buses. Battery range, life and cost, and meeting duty cycles, remain massive challenges for buses and the delivery of services, and limits vehicle use flexibility. Re-charging infrastructure and availability, whether depot-based or on-road, and the possible impact on base load power when re-charging large numbers of vehicles at one time, along with a lack of incentives to encourage procurement of electric vehicles and investment in electric charging infrastructure are also challenging. Finally, there is the road infrastructure impact of increased bus gross vehicle mass as a result of batteries. It is important that any transitional approach in the adoption of fully electric bus technology should take into account: - the current historical investment in the diesel bus fleet and whole-of-life asset values; - that existing government fleet replacement programs continue based on whole-of-life cost efficiency; - acceptance that clean diesel and self-charging hybrid electric/diesel buses continue to provide positive outcomes in terms of transport and energy security. As electric bus technology is greatly affected by operating conditions and duty cycles, it is critical that all governments undertake local controlled and detailed testing to ensure that any such technology will provide the required outcomes. It is important to note that the federal government is in a tricky position with the adoption by all states and territories of zero emissions. There is no doubt that the political party holding the Australian government now or in 2050 will need to be looking closely at the part it will play. Many of you who know me and my style will also know that I will be ‘fully charged’ at the national level to engage a sensible federal government support scheme that aims to incentivise, by way of investment allowance, accelerated depreciation and up-front capital differential payment, and provides support for local manufacturing capability to manufacture hybrid and electric vehicles. Keep safe and well. Keep informed at the Industry Hub: ozebus.com.au/covid.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Run with MAX

Meritor has designed its latest range of MAX premium brake pads to withstand the toughest braking conditions such as in city bus, waste and heavy-duty-cycle truck applications, with quality at the fore.

his year marks the 50th year of Meritor’s operations in Australia. In 1969, Rockwell and Industrial Engineering established a purposebuilt drive axle manufacturing plant in Melbourne. Over the years, the facility supplied drive and steer axles to brands like Ford, Chrysler, Atkinson, International, White Motors, Leader, Volvo, Mack, Kenworth and Iveco. Despite significant changes in the global heavy vehicle market Meritor has continued to supply parts to some of the world’s biggest heavy vehicle names – including Kenworth, Volvo, Mack, Isuzu, Iveco, Western Star and Freightliner – first as part of Rockwell International, then as Arvin Meritor, and eventually under the Meritor banner. Today, Meritor is a global leader in braking systems for heavy-duty trucks, trailers and buses. It supplies a huge range of callipers, drum brakes, pads and brake shoes to original equipment truck manufacturers, both locally and globally. The company recently celebrated the production of 100 million brake shoes in North America and is responsible for almost half the aftermarket brake shoes supplied to that market. As a result, Meritor is a trusted name in the industry and a major player in global braking systems, it states.

“Off the back of Meritor’s 110-year legacy, we are delighted to be celebrating 50 years in Australia, reflecting the brand’s heritage and our dedication to the commercial vehicle transportation industry in this country, which has some of the most demanding on- and off-highway applications globally,” Meritor Australia managing director David Cole said.

AUSTRALIAN SITES Meritor has two sites in Australia – an assembly facility in Sunshine, and an aftermarket parts distribution warehouse and brake shoe kit riveting facility based in Derrimut, Victoria. Established in 2010, the Derrimut facility specialises in aftermarket (Euclid, Meritor) and genuine (Meritor Genuine) brand offerings, with over 1,500 stocked items and 10,000 active parts on site at any time. Meanwhile, the 10,000 metre square manufacturing facility in Sunshine serves as a semi-finishing and assembly plant, which dispatches steer axles, differentials, axle assemblies, drive axles and brake components using a just-in-time lean process, it explains. Meritor Australia continues to make significant investments in local manufacturing expertise. It recently added capability to build and balance drivelines at the Sunshine facility as it looks to gain better in-house quality control

and improve capabilities to support local customer demand and diversification in off-highway segments, it says. While Meritor Australia has traditionally focused on the truck and associated aftermarket segments, it also has an extensive and proven product portfolio globally in bus, trailer, industrial, off-highway, mining, agriculture, material handling and defence. Meritor Australia’s operations have continued to adapt to changing global dynamics and advancements in technology. The company is well-known for its extensive range of heavy-duty truck axles and remains a trusted supplier of tandem and tri-drive axles, steer axles, drivelines, S-cam brakes, brake drums, air disc brakes and brake pads. Meritor uses its global reach to both manufacture and source a range of quality products that are then tailored to suit Australian conditions.

MERITOR MAX PADS The MAX premium brake pads are the latest addition to Meritor Australia’s product line-up. They represent the next step-up in performance and durability from Meritor’s popular MDP3000 standard series. The MAX pads are designed especially for applications with high brake usage and high brake temperatures such city buses, garbage trucks, coaches and frequent start-stop truck applications.

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“Europe has had a lot of success introducing the MAX pad range, so we’ve decided to bring it to the Australian market because we feel there’s also opportunity here, particularly among high-usage waste truck and bus fleets,” Meritor Australia disc brake product manager Patrick Jose said. “Customers who don’t want to compromise on performance now have access to a product that can also significantly lower their ongoing owning and operating costs. Plus they also have the peace of mind of knowing they’re fitting a quality product from an original equipment (OE) supplier.” Quality is always at the forefront of Meritor’s philosophy. To ensure this, the proprietary Meritor M550 friction material used in the MAX pads was tested at both the Meritor testing and prototype laboratory in Cameri, Italy, as well as an independent laboratory. This revealed an outstanding friction coefficient and low wear levels of both pad and rotor when compared with both original and aftermarket products. In fact, the MAX pads so far exceeded the ECER90 requirement in Europe that Meritor refers to their performance as ‘R90 plus’. Other features that enable the MAX pads to cope with consistent hot brake temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius include a thick backing plate with wiremesh securing the pad and preventing

Customers who don’t want to compromise on performance now have access to a product that can also significantly lower their ongoing owning and operating costs. separation under high shear load applications. Each MAX pad is also hard stamped with ‘MAX’ and the last three digits of the application number, as well a batch code and date for easy identification, complete traceability and customer’s peace of mind, it explains. The MAX pad range will be available in Australia through Meritor’s extensive network of aftermarket and OEM partners from September, 2020.

FUTURE OUTLOOK Meritor Australia plans to further boost its longstanding presence in the on-highway and aftermarket segments through leading technology, innovation, reliability, and customer service and support. Meritor offers excellent customer support through its dedicated customer service and technical support representatives in Melbourne, and national sales coverage with its experienced team of field sales representatives servicing both OE truck

sales and aftermarket. “As we look to the future we will be offering a wider array of differentiated products and solutions to customers. It will strengthen our capability to continue to invest and produce locally and will see expansion of our aftermarket distribution centre and capability, with a more comprehensive range of products to meet customer needs for every stage of vehicle ownership through our ‘Good, Better, Best’ tiered offering,” Cole said. “We have and will continue with a number of new product developments tailored for unique Australian applications. We will continue to invest in our people to ensure we can exceed our customer expectations and help them stay a step ahead in their businesses for the next 50 years. It remains our commitment to be the recognised leader in providing advanced drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for the local industry,” he said. busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

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SPECIAL EVENTS

FESTIVAL OF TRUCKING The Brisbane Truck Show is no longer just a truck show – it’s a great festival of all things trucking!

id you get down to South Bank when you were in town for last year’s Brisbane Truck Show? The music and BBQ at the Plough Inn were amazing. Up and down Little Stanley Street and throughout the precinct, there were great deals in every restaurant and bar, especially for Truck Show attendees. Or did you see the amazing display from Volvo Group Australia in front of the casino in Redacliff Place? ‘Mack the Transporter’, the Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls’ pink trucks (looking Mickey Mouse even after stretching their legs across the Nullarbor), the Jimmy Barnes-inspired ‘Working Class Mack’ and a whole bunch of other new releases and favourites were all on show. What about the Daimler display in Queen Street Mall? How good was it to see school kids ooh-ing and aah-ing at the spectacular line-up! How about the Mack pop-up museum at Archerfield Airport? Did you see the UD on the barge on the Brisbane River with laser lights and fireworks? The Queensland Heritage Truck Show at Wacol? And of course, the amazing display of trucks and trailers in South Bank showcasing the capability and values of the Australian heavy vehicle industry. There’s much more on top of this coming in 2021. It’s always a great time to be in Brisbane, but when the industry gets together every two years, it’s not just for the truck show – it’s everything in and around it: the events, activations, product launches, drive days, factory tours, the lunches and dinners, not

to mention Australia’s favourite truck stop: the BTS Plaza Terrace BBQ Bar. It’s not just a truck show – it’s a festival! The Brisbane Truck Show will return to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and South Bank Parklands from May 13 to 15, 2021.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION If you’ve been to the Truck Show more than once you’ve probably got a favourite hotel, and a routine of how you start your day before heading to the show. One thing is for sure – there are a lot of people looking forward to coming together in Brisbane when the show kicks off on May 13, 2021. There’s a bucketload of meetings, conferences, dealer staff events and so on in the days preceding the show. So, the message is – get your accommodation sorted out as soon as you can. Returning as the official accommodation manager for the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show is Ozaccom+. HVIA’s national events manager Noelene Bradley says Ozaccom+ was HVIA’s immediate choice to supply accommodation options for the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, and have been assisting BTS attendees since 2009.

It’s not just a truck show – it’s a festival!

“Their experience and industry buying power provides exhibitors and visitors to the Brisbane Truck Show with the best available rates over the duration of the event,” she says. “They take the stress out of managing your individual, group or block accommodation requirements.” You can see their discounted rates and the best rate of the day, live on the Ozaccom+ website. Head to the Brisbane Truck Show website for links to the portal: brisbanetruckshow.com.au/ accommodation.

Below: When the industry gets together every two years, it’s not just for the truck show – it’s everything in and around it.

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INNOVATION - SUSTAINABILITY - SAFETY - KNOWLEDGE - CAREERS - COMMUNITY

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IN FOCUS

VOLGREN VETERANS

VOLGREN BUS VETERANS CELEBRATED Two Volgren industry stalwarts are having their combined bus service stints of more than 80 years celebrated via the company’s unique ‘Local Content, Local Jobs’ story series, Volgren announced recently.

t a time of unprecedented challenges for the entire mass transit industry – especially those operating in Victoria – Australia’s largest bus body builder Volgren is celebrating a wealth of unique employee stories from its past and present, it explains. The first set of Local Content, Local Jobs employee stories acknowledge two people with more than 80 years of

combined service: Ross Herring worked on Volgren’s first bus VG001 and Peter Bromley worked on VG006. Herring joined Grenda’s Bus Service as an apprentice in 1974 and, by the time Volgren came into being in 1977, he was already being officially recognised for his work. He won the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year in that year, as well as an award for craftsmanship. “Volgren was managed by Fred Spiller,

previously the workshop manager at Grenda. He insisted on high workmanship standards, which set up a great work culture for the business, and high standards for me – and not just at work,” Herring said. “I was their first apprentice [and was] well supported by the company. They allowed me to do a fourth year at trade school, plus stay for the night school and attend Saturday mornings at times [to complete further training],” he stated.

MULTIPLE ROLES In 1980, Herring travelled to Switzerland to train with Volgren’s Swiss manufacturing (aluminium body structure design) partner Hess, staying for six weeks. He visited again decades later. Volgren moved to its current Dandenong facility in 1987 and, after that relocation, Herring worked in multiple roles, the company explains. Herring was a factory foreman, a production manager, a safety and environmental leader and a process leader. He regularly travelled interstate and even 26

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overseas, at one point visiting Indonesia to support body kit assembly work. Today, Herring’s part of the manufacturing engineering department and says his role is varied covering process improvements, in-house training, interstate facility support, product testing, quality and safety, prototype reviews and much more. “I work and communicate within the majority of departments: sales, product engineering, purchasing, planning, operations, interstate facilities and after sales. [It’s important to] have a good relationship with your colleagues and show respect for what their own responsibilities are. We all are working to achieve the same result for Volgren – a quality outcome,” Herring said.

ACCIDENTAL HERO Celebrating his 40th anniversary as a Volgren employee this year is Peter Bromley. In that time, he’s seen a lot and witnessed the company change dramatically, it states. Bromley came to Volgren as a first-class body maker – a professional vehicle manufacturer – and worked on VG006, the sixth bus ever made by Volgren. Since then he’s been involved with just about every element of a Volgren bus, spending the majority of his time in accident repairs. “I’m very lucky I’ve been in smashes [most of] my life here. I’ve worked on hundreds of them,” Bromley said. Why lucky? Bromley explains the repair shop always gets “the big jobs” and there’s “a great variety of work that comes down”, which means that over four decades no two days have ever been the same for him. He admits, though, that he’s seen his fair share of buses in bad shape after serious collisions. “Years ago I could spend two months on a job,” Bromley remembered. “Now it’s changed a lot.” He says Co-Bolt, the aluminium assembly system created by Volgren’s Swiss manufacturing partner Hess, has altered the way buses are constructed and repaired.

There’s a lot of pride and satisfaction in what we do. They’re a quality product. Probably the best around the world. It’s pretty good to see how they all come out. Prior to its inception “everything was welded”. Bromley says he takes enormous pleasure in seeing the result of the work he and his peers do being regarded so highly. “There’s a lot of pride and satisfaction in what we do. They’re a quality product. Probably the best around the world. It’s pretty good to see how they all come out,” he said.

Top: Ross Herring worked on Volgren’s first bus VG001.

NEW IDEAS Herring says even though he’s “getting on a bit” that recent changes have given him new career momentum. “What I’ve really enjoyed about Marcopolo coming in is that they’re looking at improving things – even

with Optimus – and taking on new ideas,” he said. “This is really refreshing for me. “There have been some changes here for the better and I’m looking to the next few years.”

Above: Peter Bromley is celebrating his 40th year at Volgren this year. Below: Today, Herring is part of the manufacturing engineering department. Opposite, Above and Below: Volgren is celebrating a wealth of unique employee stories from its past and present; Ross Herring joined Grenda’s Bus Service as an apprentice in 1974.

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IN FOCUS

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE 100-BUS FLEET UPGRADE COMPLETES The final 14 units of Victoria’s single-biggest order of replacement buses in 25 years have headed into service around metropolitan routes.

orming part of the state government’s 100 newbus order, the 60 Scania K310UB (Euro 5) and 40 Scania K320UB (Euro 6)-chassis vehicles – fitted in an even split with either Volgren or Gemilang bodies – are, “…transforming the customer experience improving safety, reliability and comfort for our customers,” the company explained. The new buses were built in line with the Victorian government’s Local Jobs First Policy, creating jobs in Ballarat and sustaining employment in Dandenong, Transdev Melbourne confirms. Operating from Transdev’s North Fitzroy depot on routes around the inner north and eastern suburbs – including Carlton, Kew, Port Melbourne and Altona North – the new buses have been replacing an ageing fleet since July 2019. According to the company, eventually these buses will service more routes across Melbourne and will operate where they are needed most. The Euro 5 and 6 emissions

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Far Left: The final delivery of 60 Scania K310UB (Euro 5) and 40 Scania K320UB (Euro 6)-chassis vehicles complete the 100-bus delivery. Left: Melbourne’s bus fleet has been upgraded and modernised. Below: Transdev Melbourne managing director Loretta Lynch. Opposite below: Transdev Australasia CEO Luke Agati (left) and Transdev Australasia’s chief officer Bus Operations Ian Craig welcoming one of the final 14 new buses.

standards mean they are cleaner and greener than the old Euro 3 emissions standard fleet, saving 5,346 tons of CO2 emissions across the first 86 buses rolled out on to the network, Transdev confirms.

WELL MATCHED Half of the buses were built at Volgren’s Dandenong factory, with the remaining 50 in the order built at Gemilang Australia in Ballarat, creating jobs for people including body builders, panel beaters, aftersales staff, auto electricians and painters, it confirms. State Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said: “These new buses will give passengers a more reliable, comfortable and safer journey when travelling around Melbourne. “We’ve modernised and upgraded Melbourne’s bus fleet, with the single biggest order of replacement buses in Victoria for more than two decades.” Transdev Melbourne managing director Loretta Lynch said: “This bus order has significantly improved the customer experience, enabling us to retire nearly 100 state-owned buses,

This bus order has significantly improved the customer experience, enabling us to retire nearly 100 state-owned buses. which were older and less reliable than the industry average. “These new buses are well matched to Melbourne conditions. They are being deployed across our network where they are needed most and will help thousands of customers make safe, comfortable and reliable journeys every day.” The company operates a third of the metropolitan bus network on behalf of the Victorian state government, it states.

Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, one has a new to the Australian market Denso unit under trial, and the other 50 have a Coachair CA34 HVAC system.

CREATURE COMFORTS Passengers are enjoying upgraded and more reliable air conditioning during the summer months, fully accessible low floors, USB charging facilities, improved CCTV capability and bigger priority seating areas, Transdev says. Forty nine of the buses are fitted with a Thermo King HVAC (Heating, busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

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COVERSTORY

FOTON FUEL CELL

lgebra should be learned because ‘you never know when you’ll need to use it in life’, many of us at school were told. Trigonometric functions and old mate Pythagoras’s Theorem were also classic mathematical mind-benders for the youthful academic masses, too. Yet, fortunately, only few of us would ever indeed actually use these in 34

our ensuing 50-year-odd workforce stint, with the rest resolving heartwarmingly that the advice from their well-intentioned teachers back then was pure myth. The Periodic Table of Elements, though? Well, that’s another scholastic kettle of proverbial God’s aquatic creatures. When in full living colour that ‘completed Tetris’-looking thing arguably comes in handy more times

than most non-geeky science types might guess it would – and thankfully they are probably all the better for it. With origins dating to more than 230 years ago and celebrating its official 150th anniversary in 2019, the evolving scientific ‘work in progress’ by a slew of disturbingly erudite people cleverly lists all discovered chemical elements thus far known to mankind. And it does so in a somewhat easy-to-follow order for lowly mere

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RISE OF HYDROGEN

Boasting a hydrogen fuel-cell bus ‘resume’ from as early as the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, Foton’s ambition to bring its first electro-mobility buses to Australian soil is much closer than many would expect. With March next year the target and earlier local trials planned, the countdown clock to hitting Aussie roads is ticking – fast. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY FOTON AUSTRALIA busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

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COVERSTORY

FOTON FUEL CELL

FOTON IN AUSTRALIA In August 1996, Foton set out to become a leading player in the world’s largest and most demanding logistics market, China, it states. To do this it had to be different from the competition and provide a worldclass alternative product solution for both logistics operators and drivers, it says. According to the company, it believes: “…that technology is the soul and DNA of the automobile”, and that its guiding principle became: ‘Technology leading into the future’. As it explains of its truck division, it set about establishing strategic joint ventures with the ‘best of the best’ in the commercial vehicle industry. Foton’s three key strategic alliances have allowed access to global technological insights from: • Cummins, a global icon in the heavy-duty truck market and the world’s largest independent engine manufacturer; • Germany’s Daimler Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of premium commercial vehicles; • ZF, the world’s largest supplier of transmission and chassis technology. In terms of bus, Foton shares a unique relationship with Toyota and its fuel-cell technology. Foton operates R&D centres in China, Germany and Japan and has garnered the combined efforts of 6,500 engineers from more than 40 countries and witnessed 5,000 R&D patents, it explains.

mortals based on atomic number and weight, electron configurations and various other chemical characteristics. Elements ‘of a feather stick together’, as it were. And of the lot, snaring first place with atomic number ‘numero uno’ is the lightest and most common element in the universe of them all – hydrogen! Since its discovery in 1671 and

the following 90 years of tests and experiments to learn it ultimately produces water when it burns, it’s been used purposefully for many key industrial revolution technological advancements, such as for its light lift properties in iconic air-travel balloons first invented in 1783 – ending effectively with the infamous 1937 Hindenburg disaster – and later closer to the ground in 1806’s de Rivaz internal combustion engine. Notably, towards the end of that era, the first hydrogen fuel-cell was invented in 1838, where - explained in rudimentary terms - hydrogen and oxygen react to produce electricity, with the by-product being water. And it is in that fundamental concept that modern-day buses – like we would have seen in use during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games – cars and trucks are evolving as a seemingly environmentally cleaner alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT “Our hydrogen and electric bus will available in both Australia and New Zealand. Both the Foton Australia and New Zealand teams will work together to provide the after-sales support

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We believe Australia will be the leading market of hydrogen vehicles in the world. to our local customers,” said general manager at Foton Bus Australia, Neil Wang, speaking exclusively to ABC magazine about its forthcoming EV bus range. So why Australasia? “Australia and New Zealand are very advanced in the hydrogen industry. Australia has more than 70 years of history of using hydrogen gas, so we believe Australia will be the leading market of hydrogen vehicles in the world,” he replied. “We want to help the Australian and New Zealand bus industries by providing a reliable product, a trusted after-sales service, and a ‘package solution’ for all their Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) needs. “Our target is to become

Above: A fuel-cell coach being built for the Chinese domestic market shares design cues with its forthcoming Australasian counterpart. Right: Foton will be working with Australian universities to see how the uptake of ZEB will affect public transport infrastructure. Opposite, Top and Below: Foton has been building hydrogen buses for over a decade, with the first rolling out at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

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COVERSTORY

FOTON FUEL CELL

So far we have already sold more than 600 units in China and some of the buses have already done more than 100,000km. Above: Foton’s buses use a Toyota fuel cell. Opposite, Top: More than 600 units have already been sold in China. Opposite, Centre and Bottom: Foton says its experience in hydrogen and electric buses gives it a competitive advantage in this developing market.

the new energy bus solution provider in the Australia and New Zealand market,” he explained. The electro-mobility products being referred to in the short term here are a 12.4-metre hydrogen fuel-cell city bus and an electric city bus. They will arrive in Australia before March 2021 and be fully ADR’d, Wang confirms. “We are also going to bring an 8.5-metre low-floor city bus, and a 12-metre fuel-cell coach in 2021,” he stated. “Together with our industry partners [disclosed to ABC magazine in confidence given Foton Australia’s confidentiality agreements with them] we are going to provide a fuel-cell and an electric city bus; electric charging station and hydrogen fuel station; and

a finance and leasing option. “We want to push the new-energy vehicle[s] in the public transportation industry so it happens quicker,” Wang explained. “We are also working with Australia universities to do research on how ZEB will impact our public transport system. Everything we do here is [because we] want to create more local jobs. Local KD [assembly] is also on our plan.”

LOCAL KNOW-HOW While many in the commercial vehicle market will be familiar with the Foton brand in terms of its truck product, in Australia the bus side will be entirely new as a local option for operators. “Foton Australia has been around since 1996 selling trucks and vans. For Foton Bus Australia

we are focusing on bus and new energy vehicles .By working with Foton Australia we have all local support and networking. Foton also has sold many diesel buses in New Zealand, but this will be our first time to export buses to the Australia market,” Wang explained. So what is Foton’s competitive advantage in a rapidly emerging and increasingly competitive EV bus market? “The key advantage for Foton is our experience in hydrogen bus and electric buses,” Wang responded. “Our first hydrogen order was three units for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. “So far we have already sold more than 600 units in China and some of the buses have already done more than 100,000km,” he said.

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“We also invest a lot in R&D. For example, in June 2020 Toyota Motor, Beijing Automotive Group – our own Foton Brand – and other three OEMs signed a joint-venture agreement for the establishment of United Fuel Cell System R&D (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (FCRD). “Our hydrogen bus uses a Toyota fuel cell, so we are providing five years’ full bus warranty [including the fuel cell] as standard and have a 10-year warranty as option. “Both of our 12.4 metre hydrogen city bus – model number BJ6123FCEVCH – and electric city bus will be using common Australian city bus seating configuration. We are carrying 44 seats with two wheelchair spaces. The tare weigh of the bus

is lower than 12.7-tonne, so we can carry enough passengers. And we can adjust it to operator requirements,” Wang explained. “Soon we will announce some trial projects in Australia, but we can’t release any information at this stage, unfortunately” he added, though Wang did concede Foton was facing some delay on delivering the first hydrogen city bus. “I will say March, 2021, will be the date for our first hydrogen city bus and electric city bus to arrive in Australia. We are building the first electric city bus for the Australia and New Zealand markets now. It will be ready for test by October, 2020, and sent here by the latest March, 2021.”

Specs MAKE: Foton MODEL: BJ6123FCEVCH hydrogen fuel cell city bus DIMENSIONS: Length – 12,400 x width - 2,500x height - 3,500; Weight – lower than 12.7-tonne CAPACITY: 44 (passenger seats with two wheelchair spaces) + driver FUEL CELL ENGINE: SinoHytec TS60 with Toyota FC Stac POWER: Maximum output of 60kW MOTOR: ZF CeTrax CP A POWER: Maximum output 210kW TORQUE: Maximum 3,200Nm TANK: Roof-mount 5x 185L Type4 (70 MPa) high-pressure hydrogen tanks VOLUME: Internal 925 litres BATTERY: CATL 100.16kW/h power battery RANGE: 400 – 450km (single refuel)

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16/09/2020 9:52:30 AM

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OPERATOR

BRISBANE BUS LINES

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SERVE WITH CARE

Co-MD of family run Brisbane Bus Lines Lara-Jane Mitchell believes one of the greatest strengths of their business is the ability to be flexible and adapt to change. It’s something her father, Ian Mitchell, can vouch for in his 36-year run in bus game. WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES NICK WILSON + DALE TOKELY

risbane Bus Lines (BBL) was established by Lara-Jane’s grandfather, Bill Mitchell, with the purchase of the South Toowoomba Bus Service in 1947. He soon expanded his operations to run Sunday Sightseeing tours and for the next 37 years he continued to grow his footprint in the industry with many bus company acquisitions. He formally registered the business name in 1965. After his sudden demise in 1984, his sons Ian and Jeff became directors of the company. They worked in partnership for 22 years until Jeff’s retirement in 2006. Ian purchased Jeff’s share of the business and today two of his three children - Lara-Jane and James Mitchell - are working with him. After a part-time stint with the family business, Lara-Jane went on to finish her graduate degree before re-entering the business in March 2009. For four years she worked across various business operations before becoming co-director in 2012. “Dad’s work ethic instilled in me the importance of dedication and commitment. Currently, I manage the business alongside my father and I’m thankful that he is around to pass on his knowledge and years of experience,” Lara-Jane explained. Meanwhile, James followed the family tradition of putting his passion for quality service delivery into his role as fleet presentation manager and yard supervisor. “It is important to me that our customers can enjoy a clean, wellpresented, safe and reliable vehicle whether they travel on one of our school, urban or charter vehicles,” he said.

THE JOURNEY The business has literally seen it all – from a depot fire in 1967 to floods in 1974 that inundated a fleet of its buses and office building; supplying vehicles to the Sydney Olympics and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games; a large-scale fleet replacement programme, multiple office relocations to meet expansion demands and now a global pandemic. “There is something to be said for Left: Ian, James and Lara-Jane Mitchell on the balcony of the new building.

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OPERATOR

BRISBANE BUS LINES

stable and consistent businesses. We are a people business, not just a bus company. Our team serves the community by offering safe, clean and reliable vehicles along with providing great customer service. We work along four values: one team, safety, service and communication. The Latin phrase

Cum Cura Servire, meaning ‘serve with care’, is printed on the side of each of our vehicles,” Lara-Jane said.

ENOGGERA FACILITY In order to meet the demands of a growing business, in 1985 BBL moved its operations from

Milton to Enoggera, from where it continues to operate today. “This year, we decided to continue with the planned construction of our new purpose-built admin building at the Enoggera depot despite the challenges of the Covid-19 downturn,” Ian explained.

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT For the past four years, BBL has been contributing towards Griffith University’s Annual Appeal to help fund scholarships for students who are excelling in their studies despite facing financial or personal hardships. While in the past BBL has contributed full scholarships, the Covid-19 downturn this year has resulted in a slightly lesser contribution but with the same good intentions. “We really wish to support students going through a tough time and because of our family’s rural link we are particularly understanding of the challenges faced by kids from rural backgrounds and we feel honoured to help them,” Lara-Jane said.

There is something to be said for stable and consistent businesses. We are a people business, not just a bus company. The new admin facility is an important milestone for Lara-Jane, who feels it is a reflection of the true grit and determination that many family businesses possess. “Improved team facilities have provided a better atmosphere for our team,” she added.

THE FLEET With a staff of 135 locals, BBL operates more than 85 vehicles with an average fleet age of 10 years, consisting of a mix of full-size tour coaches, high-capacity articulated buses, and midi and minibuses to cater for groups of any size.

“Choices for the replacement of school vehicles are influenced by the subsidy available under the Queensland government’s School Transport Assistance Scheme; however, vehicles also need to be suitable for local charter, so we generally don’t purchase 3x2 seaters,” Ian said. “Both versatility and reliability are key. While we would prefer to purchase Australian-made bodies as they are built to last 30–40 years however, state government regulations limit the life of public vehicles to 25 years, so we feel there is little point in spending that extra money. As a result, we buy Chinese-built

bodies and chassis. For the coach fleet we aim for quality passenger comfort and reliability because these vehicles may end up travelling anywhere in the country. “Our current school fleet is predominantly BCI and Bonluck. The coach fleet consists of eight Scania coaches with five Autobus coaches. We also operate 10 Rosas and seven Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. All maintenance is carried out in-house by our qualified workshop team at the Enoggera depot,” he stated.

Above: Co-MD of Brisbane Bus Lines Lara-Jane Mitchell. Opposite, Top: New facilities have helped bolster the team atmosphere during difficult times. Opposite, Below: Established in 1947 by Bill Mitchell, BBL is now running a fleet of 85 vehicles.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT The family has a long and proud association with Queensland’s bus industry. Jeff served on the executive committee of the Bus and Coach Association Queensland (now Queensland Bus Industry Council) from 1976 to 2006. Lara-Jane continues busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

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OPERATOR

Above: BBL has been awarded Covid-19 Clean Accreditation from QTIC, providing the highest levels of safety for the company’s staff and passengers. Opposite, Above and Below: BBL’s current school fleet is predominantly BCI and Bonluck, whilst the coach fleet is made up of Scania and Autobus coaches. The fleet is completed with several Rosas and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.

BRISBANE BUS LINES

to represent BBL on the QBIC management committee in addition to her position as chairperson of the Long Distance Tour and Charter Committee. “Three generations on, staying connected and giving back to the wider bus industry continues to be very important to us. Connecting, learning and sharing with other operators and businesses through QBIC, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Family Business Association has enabled me to develop my knowledge and skills as a manager and keeps me up-to-date with industry and business news and trends, which I can draw on to make informed

decisions,” she said.

COVID-19 IMPACT “There is no doubt our business has endured significant financial impact due to Covid-19; however, we have made a conscious effort to put our time and energy into improving systems and processes that had been on the to-do list. Moving into our new premises over this period is one of those tasks. The extra time in our day has allowed us to settle into our new workspace in a pretty orderly manner instead of an almighty rush between client and operational demands,” Lara-Jane explained. “We are proud to have been recently awarded the highly

regarded Covid-19 Clean Accreditation from QTIC. The considerable time and effort that our team has put into ensuring that our pandemic planning is at the highest possible level of compliance gives us a level of certainty that we are protecting our staff and community as much as possible.” The company has been able to retain over 98 per cent of the team thanks to government support and revenue from ongoing contracted school services, rail replacement services and longstanding client contracts, it explains. While there was one redundancy as a direct result of the financial impact on charter services, a small number of its team members decided to retire or bring forward their retirement.

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I am very proud of the team for their willingness to be flexible in their work in order to keep everybody safe. “Keeping in touch with our team through company updates has been a high priority for me during this difficult time,” Lara-Jane said. “I am very proud of the team for their willingness to be flexible in their work in order to keep everybody as safe as possible.”

THE OUTLOOK Ian, who is pleased with the company’s growth and future prospects, says community is at the heart of the business.

“As my brother Jeff used to say, ‘as long as we can continue to please the transport department, our passengers and our team, we will continue to expand’. Whether we operate 20 buses or 200 buses we

will carry this philosophy with us into the next generation. The future for BBL is very exciting and I’m extremely proud to work beside my family as we strategically position the company for future growth,” he added. busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

ABC_397_044-49_Operator_Brisbane Bus Lines FCx.indd 49

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2006 MERCEDES BENZ 0500

2015 IVECO EURORIDER

6sp manual, 12.5m Coach Design body, 48 lap sash seat belted recliners, 2 door, rear toilet, 5 x LCD monitors, tachograph, many extras, one owner, travelled approx. 960,000klm

Cursor 330hp, ZF automatic inc retarder, Irizar 13.2m body, 52 recliners in leather, toilet, A/C, underfloor bins, travelled only 102,000klm

$85,000+GST

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-397

2 X 2015 IVECO EURORIDER Cursor 330hp,ZF automatic inc retarder, Marcopolo 12.5m body,57 lap sash seat belted seats,A/C,underfloor bins,travelled 245,000klm

Reduced to $175,000+GST each

2007 DENNING PHOENIX 6X2 12.5M

2011 SCANIA K440EB

Reduced to $215,000+GST

2 X 2015 SCANIA K440EB Opticuise,13.5M Coach Concepts body, 50 Styleride lap sash leather recliners, tachograph, 2 door, mid toilet, many extras, one fitted with a Wheelchair lift, travelled approx. 400 to 440,000klm

2016 BCI CLASSMASTER

2010 BCI “CLASSMASTER 43”

2010 BCI “EXPLORER” CUMMINS ISM410HP

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach Concepts 13.5m body,50 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, 2 door, mid toilet, Thermo King A/C, full service history, travelled approx. 750,000klm

Cat C13 430hp, Allison auto inc retarder, 44 lap sash seat belted leather reclining seats, rear toilet, Thermo King A/C, large underfloor bins, Travelled approx. 560,000klm many extras, very clean

Cummins ISB300hp, Allison automatic inc retarder, 57 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, underfloor bins, DVD, just repainted all over white, travelled approx. 302,0000klm very clean

$215,000+GST

$200,000+GST

Reduced to

Cummins ISB280hp, Allison auto inc retarder, 43 metro seats in cloth, Tracs heat cool A/C, underfloor bins, travelled approx 350,000klm, school lights, complete chassis service, very clean

$145,000+GST

$69,000+GST

2017 SCANIA K310IB

2014 MERCEDES BENZ 0500R

auto inc retarder, Irizar I6 12.5m body,57 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, A/C, underfloor bins,DVD, travelled approx. 270,000klm very clean

automatic,12.5m Irizar Century body, 65 (3 for 2) fixed coach seats including lap sash seat belts, A/C, underfloor bins, 8 camera surveillance, travelled only 113,000klm

Cummins ISB300, automatic, 57 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, underfloor bins, travelled approx. 180-220,000klm

$240,000+GST

$175,000+GST

$85,000+GST each

2010 BCI PROMA DELUXE

2 X 2013 SCANIA K440

Cummins isb185hp, Allison automatic inc retarder, 33 lap sash seat belted recliners, heat cool A/C, underfloor bins, school lights, travelled approx. 272,000klm

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach Concepts 14.5m body, 58 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, guide seat, Thermo King A/C, 2 door, mid toilet, Hanover sign,tachograph,full service history, travelled approx. 780,000klm

Reduced to $59,000+GST

Reduced to $220,000+GST each

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A premium vehicle that looks as good on the outside as it does in. Here, passengers receive more spacious luggage compartments, reduced noise ride comfort and high-end audio/visuals, while the driver enjoys greater manoeuvrability and performance. The T12 also features customisable seating options to suit your needs. Exceptional ride comfort with Mercedes Benz engine with reduced noise 11.97L displacement and up to 1850N/m torque Bosch A/V system with DVD/CD Optimised ZF automatic Seats 53 Coach transmission and rear axle ratio Seats 57 School Bous 3 11m capacity luggage Seats 53 With Wheelchair Lift compartments

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ABC SEPTEMBER 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC 397 51-57.indd 52

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1999 VOLVO B7

2015 IVECO MARCO POLO

2000 VOLVO B7R

2000 MERCEDES 0405

50 Seatbelts, Toilet, TV/DVD, Manual

Volgren body, Lowfloor, 2-door, AC

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2006 HINO RK260

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WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154

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ABC 397 51-57.indd 57

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DELIVERIES

AUGUST 2020

August deliveries experience Covid contraction The Australian bus and coach market feels the pandemic pressure, exclusive ABC data reveals.

hile remaining largely resilient for the first half of the year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, market contractions have now flowed on to the Australian bus and coach market, with deliveries slipping to 70 in August. Despite representing the lowest monthly tally for the year - for some perspective - it steers clear of some recent historic lows, including 53 deliveries in September 2017. For the chassis sector, Volvo remained top, but its 20 deliveries were half of July’s, marking a yearly low. Similarly, second-placed Scania had its second consecutive month in the teens - short of June’s best of 46. One of the positives in August was it being MAN’s best month this year, with a major order from Surfside Buslines. BCI also returned with seven deliveries after none in July. Volgren led the way for the body builders, with its 20 deliveries more than half its best, but also slightly better than some other months this year. Australian Bus Corporation’s three brands of Precision Buses

(7), Bustech (5), and Elphinstone (3) were evenly spread for a combined tally of 15. Meanwhile, BCI also rebounded to 14 after only two in July. Thermo King led the air-conditioning sector, but it too had its lowest tally for the year (30), short of its previous low of 42. MCC had a better month with 11 recorded deliveries, compared to one last month. For the second time this year, WA topped the state charts, with 29 per cent of the deliveries, outranking its eastern seaboard compatriots NSW (26 per cent), Victoria (20 per cent) and Queensland (16 per cent). Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for August. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, with their involvement at their discretion.

For the second time this year, WA topped the state charts, with 29 per cent of the deliveries.

ABC September 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC_397_058-59_Bus Deliveries column FC.indd 58

14/09/2020 3:02:35 PM

Volgren 21 ABC* 15 BCI 14 Irizar 6 Yutong 6 Scania Higer 3 P&D Coachworks 2 Coach Concepts 1 Coach Design 1 TOST 1

4% SA

4% 1% TAS NT

29% WA

16% QLD

SALES BY BODY Volgren led the way for the body builders, with its 20 deliveries more than half its best but also slightly better than some other months this year. Australian Bus Corporation’s three brands of Precision Buses (7), Bustech (5), and Elphinstone (3) were evenly spread for a combined tally of 15. Meanwhile, BCI also rebounded to 14 after only two in July.

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

Thermo King led the air-conditioning sector, but it too had its lowest tally for the year (30), short of its previous low of 42. MCC had a better month with 11 recorded deliveries, compared to one last month.

Thermo King 30 MCC 11 Hispacold 8 Cling-Yutong 6 Coachair 4

Percentage by

REGION

Konvekta 3 Spheros 3 Denso 2 Valeo 2 KRS 1

20% VIC

26%

VOLVO 20

NSW

SCANIA 14

MERCEDES-BENZ 12

BCI 7

MAN 6

Sales by chassis

YUTONG 6

For the chassis sector, Volvo remained top, but its 20 deliveries were half of last month’s, marking a yearly low. Similarly, second-placed Scania had its second consecutive month in the teens, short of June’s best of 46. One of the positives in August was it being MAN’s best month this year, due to a major order from Surfside Buslines. BCI also returned with seven deliveries after none in July.

ABC* 3

HINO 2

busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

ABC_397_058-59_Bus Deliveries column FC.indd 59

14/09/2020 3:02:35 PM

AUGUST 2020

ENGINES

TRANSMISSIO

UNITS

DELIVERIES

CHASSIS

AUST BUS CORP*

MetroTas

TAS

Bustech XDI

Elphinstone

300

Euro 6

(*Bustech/Precision/Elphinstone)

MetroTas

TAS

Bustech XDI

Elphinstone

300

Euro 6

MetroTas

TAS

Bustech XDI

Elphinstone

300

Euro 6

Go West

Fleetmaster

BCI

320

Euro 5

Crown Coaches

VIC

Cruiser 9

BCI

290

Euro 6

N/A

VIC

921

P&D Coachworks

205

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

RN8J

P&D Coachworks

286

Euro 5

Surfside Buslines

QLD

RC2 19.320 LE E5

Bustech

320

Euro 5

Surfside Buslines

NSW

RC2 19.320 LE E5

Volgren

320

Euro 5

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION

BCI HINO MAN MERCEDES-BENZ

SCANIA

VOLVO

YUTONG

(Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

A: Automatic M: Manual AS: Auto-Shif O: Opticruise

N/A

VIC

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

OC500RF E5 1936

BCI

360

Euro 5

N/A

O500R

Volgren

300

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

Chris Wilkinson

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Scania Higer A30

310

Euro 5

Christians Bus Co

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Design

310

Euro 5

Dept. of Public Transport Infrastructure

K 320 UB4X2

Precision Buses

320

Euro 6

Sandfer

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Scania Higer A30

310

Euro 5

Symons Bus & Coach Service Narooma

NSW

K 360 IB4X2

Scania Higer Touring

360

Euro 6

Transit Systems West - Leichhardt

NSW

K 320 UB4X2

Precision Buses

320

Euro 6

Wilkinsons Bus & Coach

NSW

K 310 IB4X2

Irizar

310

Euro 5

Wimmera Roadways

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Concepts

310

Euro 5

Wimmera Roadways

VIC

K 310 UB4X2

Bustech

310

Euro 5

Irizar Asia Pacific

QLD

B8R

Irizar

330

Euro 5

Irizar Asia Pacific

B8R

Irizar

330

Euro 5

CDC

VIC

B8RLE

Volgren

330

Euro 5

CDC

VIC

B5LH

Volgren

240

Euro 6

CDC

NSW

B7RLE

Volgren

290

Euro 5

Brisbane City Council

QLD

B8RLE Art

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Perth Transport Authorities

B8RLE

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Starmajor

B8R

TOST

330

Euro 5

N/A

D12

Yutong

360

Euro 5

N/A

D12

Yutong

360

Euro 5

N/A

VIC

Yutong

140

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

T12

Yutong

350

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

T12

Yutong

350

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

T12

Yutong

350

Euro 5

*Austr

TOTAL DELIVERIES 70 60

ABC September 2020 busnews.com.au

ABC_397_060-61_Bus Deliveries Table FC.indd 60

14/09/2020 3:04:46 PM

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

Emissions standard

A: Automatic M: Manual AS: Auto-Shift O: Opticruise

AXLES

TRANSMISSION

BODY LENGTH

Euro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

Euro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

Euro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

Euro 5

12.30

MCC

–

Euro 6

9.6

Denso

–

Euro 5

Aisin

7.99

Thermo King

–

Euro 5

Thermo King

Euro 5

10-12.9

Thermo King

Euro 5

10-12.9

TRANS MAKE

(metres)

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

–

Styleride

–

Styleride

–

Styleride

–

Sege

–

Sege

–

Styleride

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

Thermo King

–

McConnell

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

Euro 5

13.5M

KRS

–

Sege

Euro 5

13.5M

MCC

–

Sege

Euro 5

13.5M

MCC

–

Sege

Euro 5

13.5M

MCC

–

Sege

Euro 5

13.5M

MCC

–

Sege

Euro 5

13.5M

MCC

–

Sege

Euro 5

13.5M

MCC

–

Sege

Euro 5

12.5M

Coachair

–

McConnell

Euro 6

13.5M

Thermo King

–

McConnell

Euro 6

13.5M

Thermo King

–

McConnell

Euro 6

13.5M

Thermo King

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

Euro 6

13.5M

Thermo King

Euro 5

12.3

Konvekta

–

Euro 5

12.3

Thermo King

–

McConnell

Euro 6

12.5

Hispacold

–

Styleride

Euro 5

12.3

Konvekta

–

McConnell

Euro 6

12.3

Konvekta

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

–

McConnell

Euro 6

12.5

Thermo King

Euro 5

Hispacold

–

Euro 5

12.5

Thermo King

–

Styleride

Euro 5

12.3

Thermo King

–

Styleride

Euro 5

10-12.9

Hispacold

–

Sege

Euro 5

10-12.9

Hispacold

–

Sege

Euro 5

10-12.9

Coachair

–

McConnell

Euro 6

Volvo

10-12.9

Valeo

–

McConnell

Euro 5

10-12.9

Coachair

–

McConnell

Euro 6

10-12.9

Spheros

–

McConnell

Euro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

–

Euro 5

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

Euro 5

Allison

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

Euro 5

Allison

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

Euro 5

Allison

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

Euro 5

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

Euro 5

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

Yutong

–

Yutong

Euro 5

12.4

Cling-Yutong

*Australian Bus Corporation (ABC) comprises Bustech (16), Precision Buses (10) and Elphinstone (2). Volgren’s count includes two units from its partnership with Supportrans.

busnews.com.au September 2020 ABC

ABC_397_060-61_Bus Deliveries Table FC.indd 61

14/09/2020 3:04:47 PM

DRIVEN

MAN BLK PRESIDENT

THE FIRST PRESIDENT

MAN partnered with Bus and Coach Sales Australasia (BCSA/BLK) mid2019 to give the market a quality yet affordable school/charter vehicle to compete with other OEMs. The MAN Bonluck President is the very first of its kind and is aimed specifically at the school bus and charter market. WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE

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egional sales manager at MAN Mark Nichols explained to ABC magazine on our test drive that although the MAN-BLK President is aimed specifically at the school bus market, “...it certainly doesn’t look like a bread box”. “It’s a very nice vehicle to drive,” he aded. “I’ve driven it to Melbourne a couple of times and it’s exactly the same as driving a coach.” We were speaking with him to find out more about the collaboration between MAN Bus and Bonluck (BLK), which Nichols described as being very close. “We’re all from the bus industry; I’ve known Rodd Hood and Athol McKinnon

from BLK for quite a number of years,” he commented. “They approached us, and we were looking around at the same time, so I think it was meant to be. The bonus is we all get on very well, and we all work really well together. We’re based in Wacol and with these guys being based in Yatala, we’re only half an hour away from each other.”

QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY The relationship is always a big factor in successful collaborations, but there needs to be reasons it actually ‘works’ for the end product to be a success in the marketplace. Asked about this, Nichols

says that this collaboration, “...is a success because quality is the main component – a quality chassis with a quality body. This will be one really long-lasting vehicle. “I’m very happy with the interior fit-out and the noise level; MAN pride themselves on that whisper-quiet chassis and it works so well with this body. I think it’s come together great and it just works, I’m sure it will be very well received.” The President we are driving today was built as a demonstration model, but has already been sold for a school bus application, MAN confirms. “This is our first President, the MAN IC19.320 Euro 5 horizontal turbocharged inline six-cylinder (RR8) with a 12.36m

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DRIVEN

MAN BLK PRESIDENT

vehicle, which Nichols puts down to having worked closely with Lutz, MAN’s Germany engineer, and the team from Bonluck. Asked if the vehicle ABC is test driving is the standard format President, Nichols said: “This is the standard format you can get, but if you order you certainly have choices. There are options: you can increase the horsepower of the chassis, there are body options, aircon options and of course there are the seating options.”

STRONG, SILENT TYPE

The Bock air conditioning compressor is engine mounted rather than body mounted, which removes a lot of noise and vibration. bus body,” Nichols explained. “It has a 57 seated-passenger capacity, but can also be built on the MAN two-axle chassis [13.2m], with 61 fixed adult seats. We’ve already built two massive 65-seat capacity two-axle options for Coast and Country Buses. Those two big capacity ones are running around very successfully for them.” Sixty-five seats is a huge capacity

“This chassis is a very economical chassis, whisper-quiet, with the clean side cooling package, and it does 320hp [239kW] with 1,600Nm of torque. It just works really well,” Nichols said. Every MAN chassis we’ve ever driven, we have to agree, have been quiet. They have a certain feel to them, so we were looking forward to the drive to see if the same MAN feel came through. Nichols also explains that the Bock air conditioning compressor is engine mounted rather than body mounted, which removes a lot of noise and vibration through the body, making the ride a lot quieter. “It’s mounted on the side of the engine just like in a car and it actually moves with the engine,” he said. “A much quieter option and just another reason this chassis is super quiet,” he said.

THE TEST DRIVE Some Queensland sunshine greeted us as we drove from the BCSA (Bus and Coach Sales Australasia/Bonluck) headquarters in Yatala and did some suburban driving to give the President a run through familiar territory. After that we headed for the hills of Wolffdene to give it a bit of a more regional driving workout. This was the first time driving the new platform of the BCSA and MAN collaboration. Our last drive of a President was April, 2017: a Bonluck President 2 powered by a Cummins engine with an Allison transmission. Collaborations give our industry the best of what’s on offer worldwide and it’s great to see companies like these two major players working together to come up with the goods. The President has ADR68 Sege seats fitted - a popular choice amongst luxury coach builders and usually in leather.

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However, these are cloth and the polyester-wool mix fabric feels really strong and durable, MAN says that this vehicle is built to last and you can really feel that in the quality of the fit-out. The chequed fabric seats combined with the wooden-look vinyl flooring and black accents are an appealing combination. Underneath, there’s 10 square metres of storage capacity with three doors on either side, so internally and externally the passengers’ needs are well appointed for. As soon as you sit behind the wheel of the President you feel at home. It might be because it’s a MAN chassis, which are very predictable, so you can trust in the quality. There are no complaints with regards to visibility out the front and mirror vision is good in all areas, it seems. There is some pretty impressive soundproofing; jumping onto the highway all we could hear is a slight noise from the aircon system

Top: Plenty of storage space, with three access doors on each side of the coach. Left: Sege seats in polyesterwool mix that’s built to last.

and a little tyre noise from the road, which is to be expected from brand new tyres. Everything else is remarkably quiet. The chassis comes standard with an electronic braking system (EBS), electronic stability program (ESP) and electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS), but can also be ordered with a ‘Driver Assistance Package’ that has cruise control/adaptive cruise control (ACC), emergency braking assist (EBA), lane guard system (LGS) and automatic wipers and headlights.

The ECAS is good feature for school bus applications as it electronically controls the suspension to stabilise despite loading conditions, making it perfect for country roads and a changing load like you get with school children. Stability plays a huge part in both passenger and driver comfort. MAN says this is part of its ‘comfort suspension’ and the drive today was a firm but very comfortable one and easy on the driver. With 1,600Nm of torque the bus

Opposite, Top: The whisper-quiet chassis does 239kW (320hp) with 1,600Nm. Opposite, Below: The driving experience is smooth and quiet, with good window tinting to assist driving in Australian summers.

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MAN BLK PRESIDENT

Specs

We just kept coming back to the sound quality – it really is so quiet inside.

MODEL: MAN-BLK President CHASSIS: MAN IC19.320 E5 (RR8) LENGTH: 12.36m ENGINE OUTPUT: MAN D2066 Euro 5. Power - 235kW (320hp)@1,900 RPM TRANSMISSION: ZF 6AP 2000B Ecolife BODY: Bonluck President SEATS: Sege - two-axle max 57 seats; three-axle max 65 seats STORAGE: 9-10.0 cubic mt AIRCON: Spheros CC-355 or Thermo King KRS STEERING: ZF Servocom 8098 SAFETY SYSTEMS: EBS, ESP, ECAS, cruise control/ACC, EBA, LGS, automatic wipers and headlights

Top: A stand-out was just how quiet the ride was inside. Below: Euro 5 horizontal turbocharged inline six-cylinder.

punches along quickly. There’s definitely no waiting for the power to kick in, it’s pretty instant. Sometimes with Euro 5 you can expect things to be a little slower off the mark, but the President certainly isn’t. In our drive we were able to get in a good mix of urban roads, highway driving and some country hillside driving, so we got a good feel for the vehicle over different road conditions. In all-flat driving you can’t get a true feel for power and torque. As a driver, it’s a pretty nice feeling sitting up the front, We just kept coming back to the sound quality – it really is so quiet inside. We couldn’t even hear the cars passing. Without the mirrors, we wouldn’t have even known a car was approaching – which is really impressive and this certainly will make longer journeys more comfortable for the driver, as well as it being an all-round positive, more comfortable experience for passengers as well. The window tinting comes as standard from BLK and it’s really

dark, which is a welcome addition for the Australian summer and passenger comfort, we say. The retarder system was also a stand-out and we gave the hill descent feature a go – just double tap the brake and it will not go above your current speed. It’s not a cruise control, but it stops you from gaining momentum downhill, which is a handy feature, especially for regional areas. Drivers today are spoilt with the developments in bus and coach technology, they are so car-like and comfortable. Today’s drive of the MAN President was all we expected it would be. Us older or experienced drivers have probably all had stints on buses that were actually physically tiring to drive, so having a bus this smooth and easy to drive plays a big part in reducing driver fatigue and improving the overall safety and longevity of driver health. It’s very easy to be impressed by the features offered on this new MAN-BLK President and truly appreciate just how far our industry has come.

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