Australasian Bus & Coach 402 February 2021 by Prime Group

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AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

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contents ISSUE 402 FEBRUARY 2021

08 in the know

6. editorial | ignition With so much happening month to month, editor Cotter talks buses, new inter-country alliances, junk food and professinal knitting. Possibly. 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.

started to run one of its two new Scania hybrid buses on the Adelaide O-Bahn system. 26. In focus | busword europe

far been allocated for the forthcoming Busworld Europe 2021 event, to be held in Brussels, Belgium, in October. 28. In focus | marcopolo audace 1050

BUSWORLD EUROPE, 2021 DATES SET: OCTOBER, 9–14

MARCOPOLO LAUNCHES NEW AUDACE 1050 COACH IN OZ

A growing tally of 303 exhibitors and 75 per cent exhibition space has thus

Volgren parent company Marcopolo has launched a new Audace coach series for

20. obituary | michael apps

AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE The funeral for bus industry icon Michael Apps was held recently, with fond tributes from industry friends and colleagues.

In focus

24. In focus | adelaide hybrid bus

ADELAIDE O-BAHN HYBRID BUS SERVICE STARTS South Australian bus operator Torrens Transit, which Transit Systems owns, has

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Fabian Cotter ph: 0451 194 600 e-mail: Fabian.Cotter@aremedia.com.au Technical Writer: Paul Aldridge

PRODUCTION

Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick Art Director: Bea Barthelson

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

42 the Australian bus market – the Audace 1050 – aimed at the school, charter and long-distance coach sector. 34. coverstory | bci e-bus nsw

FALLING INTO LINE

BCI’s first operator delivery of its heroEV Citirider E electric bus took place recently in south-west Sydney, We chat with Interline bus operator owner Joe Oliveri about his new BCI wheels and his big e-bus plans. Fabian Cotter writes. 42. operator | sleepbus.org

SLEEP MAKER

Each year in Australia, fluctuating fortunes have meant that thousands of people unfortunately are forced to sleep on the streets unsheltered every night, let alone have some place safe to stay for longer. If indeed ‘charity begins at home’, what if that home is actually a bus – a ‘sleepbus’, to be precise? Fabian Cotter spoke to the CEO of the charity sleepbus, Simon Rowe, about his ongoing work.

48. driven | fuso rosa

STYLE MEETS SAFETY It’s what you can’t see that’s exciting in the new Rosa. Paul Aldridge was left impressed by the list of safety features that now come standard with the new Fuso Rosa models.

departments

55. bus marketplace | classifieds

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!

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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

62. 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 today!

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

One step forward, two steps back A new economic and military alliance that could change the global balance of power? And we could be in it? Hmm... Sounds like fun. Maybe. “I said blue moon of Kentucky [gotta] keep on shining, Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue. I said blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shining, Shine on the one that’s gone and left me blue.”

ow, when an old Elvis Presley song plays across your favourite music streaming platform while doing the weekend vacuuming with the your wireless headphones on, I think it’s kind of rude not to shake your booty along when it is such a catchy beat. A cover version I would only recently learn (thanks DuckDuckGo), my old man – a country music-loving muso and guitar player himself at family parties and anywhere, really – use to drown out the house with Elvis vinyl-record tunes and

Blue Moon of Kentucky always stood out most. That and Viva Las Vegas. As a totally uncoordinated and non-musical kid in a sporty-ish and musical family, connecting via Elvis tunes was basically some ethereal, spiritual experience. That, or hearing ‘Kentucky’ made me think about the chicken (I’m like 5, what else could it be?) and the salivation would put Pavlov’s dog in the shade. Late teens, it’s heard again – boom! I’ve worked out where Kentucky is now – roughly – and I’m wanting to go there. Cowboy boots and hat on. Mid-20s, thwack! I’m now visualising spitting out chewed ‘tobacco’ onto someone’s front porch while I cradle my trusty shotgun as I sit, rocking away, watching tumbleweeds roll by me and someone’s lazy bloodhound at my feet named Bubba. Yep, good times. But now, the only thing cradled is the Hoover’s nozzle after shaking out the sock that got sucked up into it. This is what you get when you’re trying to switch off from the world via music to avoid news of lockdowns and cases and border closures and restrictions. Man...

WHAT’S CANZUK? I’m glad you asked. Following Elvis came a clip about CANZUK? Yep, that’s what I asked as well. An alliance system based 6

on economic, military and general life and diplomacy between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK – crucially while each maintains its sovereignty – absolutely caught my interest. Not just for collective bus-making cooperation, but in general, especially in these uncertain times. Its website states: “CANZUK International was founded in January 2015 and is the world’s leading advocacy organisation promoting facilitated migration, free trade and foreign policy coordination between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (the ‘CANZUK’ countries). “Our campaign advocates closer cooperation between these four nations so they may build upon existing economic, diplomatic and institutional ties to forge a cohesive alliance of nation-states with a truly global outlook.” Go check it out. Let’s talk later…

LET’S FLIP Inside this February Issue 402 of ABC magazine we have a veritable treasure trove of curiously interesting and weird and wonderful bus stuff to get your public-transport juices flowing. Firstly, on our cover this month is indeed one we have featured and tested before, but now in its TfNSW regalia it is BCI’s first Australian operator-delivered e-bus that’s in full service. In the hands of South-west Sydney operator Interline, the Joe Oliveri-run organisation runs a pretty tight ‘bus ship’ out in those parts and the new BCI Citirider E is the first electric bus to kick off his emerging electro-mobility fleet, due to include another nine Yutong e12s and possibly a Custom Denning Element according to word around the campfire. Speaking of the latter, you might want to make sure you stick around for our next issue as I’m confident ABC magazine will have an exclusive coming up about that one, too. Well, I’m pretty sure that will happen. I know the editor and he says it’s looking good, so I’m just going off that. ;) Check the BCI out on pages 34–40. Further inside we finally get to air our Fuso Rosa test drive, which has been in the kitty since late last year – or was that earlier this year? (I tell you, these outbreaks and

travel restrictions are totally doing my head in these days). The safety-laden new Rosa has some small-bus/van class-leading tech as standard and some style tweaks really look the part as well. Ensure you check out that one on pages 48–53. And then we have something a bit different. A big thanks to the deftly efficient bus industry PR who brought this one to my attention, even though it included a few other brands other than their client. Now whether that was because we are technically dealing with used buses on this one, so really there’s ‘no sheep stations’ on it (totally used the old sheep stations line to freak out our international readers), or merely because it’s for a good cause, I’m not sure. But I like to think because it’s about a great charity modifying buses to give thousands of homeless people a clean and safe place to sleep at night, that this is reason they felt compelled to drop me a line about it. As the 2017 Telstra Victorian Charity of the Year winner, it’s proof of what a great and noble idea it is and I think particularly the concept overall is a great ambassador for the many uses and value of used buses these days. That’s on pages 42–46. In terms of news, some big ones here. Kinetic (nee Skybus) has pretty much bought out Greyhound Resources (pending any final checks and approvals) and with rumours that Kinetic itself is sussing out the market for a buyer it will be interesting to see how that all unfolds. Also, NZ is helping out its councils update to cleaner public transport and bus fleets via some solid cash injection while operator Transit Systems has picked up a cool international customer service award. Read those and more news from page 8. Finally, good to hear – and without jinxing it – the January 2021 deliveries is on the up again, so that’s a great start to the year. A year that will have a slew of ups and downs, such is the way it seems to be now, unfortunately. On that note, catch you next month. And remember, be good! And if you can’t be good – be good at it, as they say. :) Until the next thrilling instalment.

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NEWS

GREYHOUND RESOURCES SOLD TO SKYBUS-KINETIC MINING BUS giant Greyhound Resources has been sold to Kinetic (née, Skybus) following the execution of a contract to acquire the Mackay, Queensland, operator’s 170-vehicle fleet, Kinetic confirmed recently. The move – which does not include the Greyhound Australia business operating separate passenger coach services across Australia – sees Kinetic acquiring the largest resources (mining) bus operator in Queensland, delivering 179 contracted ‘busing routes’ across 29 sites, with services including airport to resources project transfers, dry hire and charter services.

It should be noted Greyhound Resources operates in the Bowen Basic, Hunter Valley, Olympic Dam and Darwin with key clients including BHP, Anglo American and Conoco Phillips. The acquisition bolsters Kinetic’s existing capabilities for keeping major industries moving, which already includes delivering highly contracted specialist busing solutions for aviation and government departments and authorities, the company explains. “Governments, airports, schools and communities across Australia count on us every day to run bus networks that exceed performance and safety

Above: The Greyhound Resources transaction to Kinetic is expected to complete March/ April, 2021. Below: Greyhound Resources’ 170-vehicle fleet delivers 179 contracted routes.

standards,” says Kinetic head of Australia, Matthew Carney. “The resources sector is no different with reliable, safe and comfortable bus services essential to the success of large, long-life resources projects – and Greyhound Resources has demonstrated 15 years’ experience delivering just that for industry-leading clients,” Carney stated.

ONGOING COMMITMENT The announcement demonstrates Kinetic’s ongoing commitment to investing in Queensland, it states. Kinetic also operates govern-

“Governments, airports, schools and communities across Australia count on us every day to run bus networks that exceed performance and safety standards.” 8

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ment-contracted urban and regional bus services, private and government-contracted school services and charter services, it explains. Collectively, Kinetic is one trusted network with more than 3,000 buses and 4,000 people delivering 50 million passenger trips annually, it says. Greyhound Resources GM of operations, James Smith, says the company would continue to provide essential services supporting an important sector of Australia’s economy. “Over the past decade we have expanded our footprint into key regions in the resources sector with our commitment to delivering safe and trusted transport, and with Kinetic’s mass transit leadership we will continue to exceed performance standards,” Smith said. The transaction is subject to conditions precedent including regulatory approval and is expected to complete in March/April 2021.

GREYHOUND AUSTRALIA As stated earlier, this acquisition does not include the Greyhound Australia brand and business, which is being retained by the existing shareholders and will continue to independently operate Australia’s largest national coach network connecting all mainland states and territories, Greyhound clarifies. Greyhound Australia’s business values and ‘feel the heart of Australia brand’ will continue on a business-as-usual basis, with continued focus on bringing joy to travel in Australia, according to Greyhound Australia CEO Alex de Waal. “The sale of the Greyhound Resources business will allow our existing shareholders and Express management team to focus on the optimisation and growth of the Express network,” Mr de Waal said. The Greyhound Resources business will operate on a transitional basis under the direction of existing shareholders from now until transfer of the Greyhound Resources business to Kinetic on or around April 1, 2021.

NZD$50 MILLION ‘DECARBONISATION’ AID FOR PUBLIC BUS FLEET NEW ZEALAND government funding of NZD$50 million has been committed to Kiwi councils to help fully ‘decarbonise’ their public transport bus fleets by 2035, it was announced recently. The move has been welcomed by global bus-making giant Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and local bus-body builder Kiwi Bus Builders, the companies confirm. ADL – a subsidiary of North American’s NFI Group Inc. – is to build zero-emission buses in NZ in cooperation with Kiwi Bus Builders, creating jobs and adding value to the local economy, it states. The funding to councils for the procurement of zero-emission buses is part of a series of measures intended to help meet New Zealand’s 2050 carbonneutral target, announced by NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Transport Minister Michael Wood. By decarbonising the bus fleet, the country aims to prevent up to 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, it explains. ADL recently announced that it will assemble zero-emission buses locally in New Zealand, renewing a partnership with local manufacturer Kiwi Bus Builders. The British company’s electric buses for New Zealand are part of the BYDADL Enviro200EV range using latest BYD iron phosphate battery and driveline technology, it confirms. In addition to two-axle models, the

partners will produce 12.6m-long, three-axle electric buses, which ADL has designed for the specific requirements of bus operation in New Zealand by carrying 78 passengers without the requirement of an overweight permit, it states.

CREATING JOBS Kiwi Bus Builders managing director Richard Drummond said: “We are primed to kick start the partnership, we have already started the process to create apprenticeships, creating jobs and supporting jobs that have been lost due to the coronavirus. This is in line with the New Zealand Government’s plan to build the economy back stronger.” ADL president and managing director Paul Davies said: “With a strong track record of innovation and as a member of NFI Group, we are leveraging global expertise in the design and deployment of clean buses while collaborating in close partnership with our customers by tailoring our vehicles to their requirements and assembling them locally. “Together with Kiwi Bus Builders, we look forward to helping councils across New Zealand deliver on the government’s commitments for a sustainable future.”

Above: NZD$50 million has been committed to Kiwi councils to help fully ‘decarbonise’ their public transport bus fleets by 2035.

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NEWS

CUSTOM-DENNING ELEMENT E-BUS NOW ADR APPROVED FOR BRAND fans the long-awaited Custom-Denning electric Element e-bus has officially attained Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval. The Custom-Denning Element was successfully registered on the national register as a compliant model as part of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act, Custom-Denning confirms. As a result of testing for this compliance the bus has given a (conservative) range of 500km, the company explains. The announcement comes 11 months after Custom-Denning first revealed exclusive concept images of its Element e-bus to a widely welcoming reception given the perceived need for innovative Australian bus manufacturing, and at a time the bus industry was starting to feel the effects of coronavirus. Custom-Denning spokesperson Mick Neskes said: “We always knew our bus would be lighter thanks to our forward-thinking engineers in developing this lightweight chassis, but we never knew exactly what the end result would be. We are so pleased with this, and we know that we are in a great position with this product in more fronts than one,” he stated. The ADR approval is also a massive step that should bode well for Custom-Denning’s future hydrogen bus model, the Element H2, which will use the same e-bus body design albeit with electric hydrogen fuel-cell running gear. Matching the statements made 10

during an online ‘teaser’ animation that Custom-Denning released last September, the e-bus will be available for delivery from May 2021, the company has announced.

SUCCESSFUL TESTS As Custom Denning explained online, the first bus was in build and then started to be tested in October last year, with its solid-state batteries and Spheros air-conditioning choices proving key to the ultimate combination’s success, insiders reveal exclusively to ABC magazine. The Element is “Australian designed and manufactured for Australian conditions”, Custom-Denning states, and features a full low-floor and integral stainless steel frame design with new and exciting technologies.” It continues: “Utilising solid-state batteries, the Element is driven by a two-stage electric motor. During deceleration the bus enters electricity-generation mode, regenerating electricity which can reduce consumption by up to 50 per cent. With air-conditioning being one of the largest consumers of energy on buses, it explains that the Element’s main cabin air-conditioning is programmed to automatically sense the temperatures throughout the saloon via several motion detectors strategically placed around inside the bus. “The fast-acting plug-slide centre door deactivates the blower fans

whenever opened, and with improved sealing capabilities reduces the loss of conditioned air from the passenger cabin,” it adds. “The Element’s intelligent battery management system monitors all main and auxiliary components at all times. The intelligent battery management system offers optimised operation with reduced power consumption and improved efficiencies, allowing for increase in operating range,” Custom Denning states. Also, the CAN network allows the driver to monitor usage via the LCD dash display. “The bus is fitted with Advanced Driver Assist System – ADAS. This enables protection for the following: collision warning and lane-departure warning, and pedestrian warning – which “...sounds an alarm inside the driver’s cabin and vibrates the seat to ensure the drivers is pre-warned about any possible collisions with the pedestrians.” In terms of charging, the bus can be placed on charge whenever at the depot including between duties or overnight, it says. “When the bus is ready for its next service the bus can be left on charge, air-conditioning and air compressor started, which enables the bus to obtain the correct operating conditions, which will increase battery capacity throughout the day,” the company explains.

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BUS OPERATOR ATTAINS KEY CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARD Transit Systems NSW has been ‘recertified’ to ‘Integration Level’ on the International Customer Service Standard (ICSS), it confirms recently. With the assessment evaluating the service, financial/governance, operational, and learning and growth perspectives of the organisation, the ICSS rates progress in terms of ‘intention’, ‘implementation’ and ‘integration’. The ICSS applies a balanced scorecard methodology to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation’s strategy and is the world’s leading customer service management-system measuring tool, it explains. The process of certification takes a whole-of-organisation view and challenges an organisation to consider if it adopts an authentic customer focus in all decision making, it adds.

Transit Systems NSW is part of the SeaLink Travel Group, Australia’s largest integrated land and marine, tourism and public transport service provider, the organisation states. SeaLink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says the escalated certification of ‘Integration Level’ is a testament to the entire Transit Systems team, which continually strives for customer service excellence. “The 2020 ICSS Certification Assessment highlighted our commitment to customer service as a whole journey, recognising that there are many complex parts to our business, but our ultimate aim is to promote a culture that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do,” he said. “The recertification and achievement of a higher placement demonstrates that our team is

passionately striving for continued improvement across a range of social and environmental considerations, addressed through strategic planning and our customer charter, allied to our culture, systems and processes. “We are so proud of our team for their vision to enhance our customer service standards, and promote a culture of positive change.

Above: SeaLink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says the escalated certification of ‘Integration Level’ is a testament to the entire Transit Systems team.

KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND A BUS? LOOKING FOR A CHANGE? TECH SAVVY AUTO ELEC / TECHNICIAN REQUIRED. Parts Supply Solutions / Hanover Displays supply high quality products to OEMs, Tier 1s, government fleets and small family businesses. We are looking for an experienced technician to join our team. Located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, this role involves installation of CCTV systems, next stop passenger information systems and more, along with commissioning, inputting data into our computer systems and web portals, programming of displays and next stop information programs and helping clients resolve technical issues along with fault finding and repairs. This role is very varied dealing with several different sorts of electronic equipment installed on buses. You must be able to work autonomously, be flexible, have excellent communications skills and an outstanding work ethic.

• A minimum of 2 years experience working on heavy vehicles – preferably Buses. • Auto electrician qualification (preferred) • Experience in CCTV installation and commissioning would be an advantage • Security Licence would be an advantage • Cabling Licence would be an advantage • Current Victorian Drivers Licence • High level technical skill • Be prepared to travel interstate We will provide a highly competitive salary package to the right person, and you will benefit from working within a small business in a role that differs each day.

If you feel you have the skills we require please apply to fwatson@partssupply.com.au www.partssupply.com.au busnews.com.au February 2021 ABC

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NEWS

system customisable to specific engine characteristics, while enhanced diagnostics are available via integrated telemetry, it states. The system also features variable idle speeds, which enhances several transmission functions under different circumstances, ZF adds.

ECOLIFE LEGACY

‘NEXT-GEN’ ZF ECOLIFE BUS TRANSMISSION DUE SOON A ‘LIGHTER, more efficient and more robust’ ZF Ecolife bus and coach transmission is due to be released here in the Australasian/Oceania region. Said to be offering, “improved fuel savings of up to three per cent compared to the first generation transmission”, the compact weight-saving design Ecolife 2 is set to feature increased torque allowance of up to 2,000Nm for city bus use, ZF states. With a focus on lowering operating costs and emissions the “more highly developed” second-generation Ecolife will have an option for coaches that will cover an engine torque range between 1,700Nm–2,800Nm, says ZF. “It’s exciting that the Ecolife 2 bus and coach transmission is coming to Oceania,” said Shane Trenbath, ZF Services Australia technical services manager.

FUEL SAVINGS As stated, via Ecolife 2 further fuel savings of up to three per cent will be available compared with the first Ecolife generation, claims ZF. The unit features numerous technical refinements that make it lighter, more efficient, more robust, and easier to 12

Above: Ecolife 2 is the latest generation of automatic transmission systems for buses that can enable fuel savings of up to three per cent, ZF states.

maintain, it adds. A torque converter with a new torsional damper enables fast and smooth shifting, and provides the Ecolife 2 with its stop-start function. Another innovation is the cooling concept; the stainless-steel heat exchanger mounted behind the transmission is now triple-ducted, integrating the transmission cooling system and eliminating the requirement for an additional housing, ZF explains. This results in weight savings of around 10 kilograms, and improved ease of maintenance, says ZF. Further advantages of the Ecolife 2 come from the transmission control system, which enables a coasting function that contributes to fuel savings, with the

From low life-cycle costs, fuel consumption savings, to savings on service brake component longevity, plus a host of usability and comfort advantages, the ZF Ecolife is in a class of its own, ZF says. At the heart of the efficiency savings is the six-speed configuration, which keeps engine revs low throughout acceleration. This is especially noticeable at speeds less than 20km/h when setting off, with two low-ratio gears utilised, which provides a fuel consumption advantage of up to 10 per cent in city applications when benchmarked against other transmissions featuring fewer overall gears, it says. Furthermore, the integrated ZF Primary Retarder system supports high braking effort which, proportionally, continues to apply braking force until the bus is almost stationary, ZF explains. This characteristic significantly reduces the demand on the vehicle’s service brakes, meaning lower lifecycle costs for the operator, ZF advises. Another feature of the transmission is its dual cooling system, with its transmission and retarder heat exchanger limiting excessive heat, which subsequently extends oil change intervals.

LOW NOISE In recent years, the transmission system received a mid-life rework with the addition of a stop-start ready function, as well as new control software, named Topodyn Life. Factoring in prevailing driving conditions, the ZF Topodyn function selects the best shifting strategy for the upcoming topography while also adjusting braking force, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to five per cent, ZF states. With quieter buses of growing importance to fleet operators, passengers and the general public, Ecolife’s low-noise characteristics have proven to yield reduced noise pollution, with the transmission enjoying a noticeable advantage over the competition, both inside and outside of the vehicle.

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2,000 BCI buses delivered to Australia BCI celebrate their 30th Anniversary, coinciding with the delivery of their Bus Number 2,000 to Australian customers. We would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to each of the 600 clients that decided to trust in our vehicles and join us in this three decades journey.

Currently the first Australian owned bus manufacturers, BCI lead the race to supply zero emissions vehicles and have incorporated to their versatile range new designs for city buses and coaches, confirming their world-class engineering, innovation and dynamism.

Bus & Coach International Pty Ltd Head Office Perth: 08 9353 9000 Sales Enquiries: 1300 289 224 www.bcibus.com.au

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Brisbane: 07 3275 6900 Melbourne: 03 8787 2100 Adelaide: 08 8182 3888

15/2/21 10:26 am

NEWS

CLARKS LOGAN CITY LAUNCHES RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN Below: As part of Clarks RAP design, Casey Coolwell developed the artwork ‘Creating Connections’, representing the development process of creating connections throughout the community.

QUEENSLAND operator Clarks Logan City Bus Service launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to explore local employment and development opportunities with Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, it announced recently. The launch event was attended by the Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman and the Mayor of Logan City Council Darren Power. Clarks ‘Reflect’ RAP 2020–21 is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, acknowledging that Clarks is starting its reconciliation journey by scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and exploring its sphere of influence, it explains. Clarks general manager Martin Hall and RAP champion says it was an important milestone for the company, which had the full support of its stakeholders both internally and externally. “We have developed relationships with numerous community groups in the Logan region over our 40 years of operation and this has recently grown to include the

Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training,” Hall said. “Through these collaborations and through building relationships with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, we aim to gain a better understanding of how we can develop cultural awareness and capability of our people and mutually beneficial outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

TRUE LEADERSHIP Minister Fentiman says the RAP shows true leadership by Clarks Logan City Bus Service in developing meaningful jobs for our diverse and growing community. “As one of Logan’s largest employers, the Reconciliation Action Plan is such an important initiative in developing cultural awareness with our First Nations people, so we can build and foster harmonious communities,” she said.

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“Developing cultural awareness so we can build and foster communities.” Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford says the Palaszczuk government strongly encourages businesses and organisations to join the state’s journey to reconciliation. “It’s wonderful to see Clarks Logan City Bus Service launch a Reconciliation Action Plan as part of a genuine commitment to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Queenslanders, including Elders and young people, to build the company’s cultural capability,” Minister Crawford said. “A planned approach to reconciliation will help enhance services, build workforce capability and drive economic opportunities.”

CREATING CONNECTIONS As part of Clarks RAP design, Casey Coolwell - a Quandamooka woman with traditional ties to North Stradbroke Island developed the artwork ‘Creating Connections’, representing the development process of creating connections throughout the community.

Above: “It’s wonderful to see Clarks Logan City Bus Service launch a Reconciliation Action Plan,” said Minister Crawford.

Victorian Sales Manager BLK is one of the first Chinese Bus manufacturers having supplied buses into Australia and New Zealand for over 14 years have now decided to enter as Manufacturer direct to end user to help expand the brands market reach on both sides of the Tasman. BLK is also known as the only Bus Manufacturer to offer a diverse range of buses from 8 Meter – 14.5 Meter, Coach & Citibus, 2 Axle or 3 Axle, Articulated, Double Decker, Diesel, EV and now Hydrogen. BLK’s new focus upon the successful FMG (Fortescue Minerals Group) Hyzon 10 President tender appointment is ZERO Emission Hydrogen and EV Low floor Buses and Coaches. Reporting directly to the BLK Board, the overall responsibility of this role is to provide key account management to bus operators and local government authorities. Based within our Moorabbin facility, this role will be responsible for the overall strategy and success of bus sales within the key geographic regions of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to support and service our already existing customer base.

A strong aftermarket network is already in place, with strong investments from BLK across both sides of the Tasman to drive sales success in this region. The successful candidate will have: • Tertiary or trade qualifications. • Previous experience in a similar role within the bus industry. • Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to give guidance and assistance where necessary. • A good understanding of OEM policies, operations and standards. • Strong influential and relationship building skills. • A proven capacity to work autonomously. • Heavy Duty Driver’s License. • Natural presentation and motivational skills and friendly approach with a willingness to get their hands dirty. Proven success in a similar role will also be considered…. An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the right candidate…….

This includes the strategy for pricing and profitability, demonstration fleet management and sales promotions.

Telephone Jason Pecotic in the first instance on 0414 793 639 or please send your CV in confidence to careers@blkauto.com.au

This is a great employment opportunity for a dedicated and highly driven individual with outstanding communication skills and a passion for relationship management to support this position. ABC-HH-5170476-TS-402

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NEWS

A NEW WAY OF WORKING

VOLGREN ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD OF ENGINEERING VOLGREN has promoted Brenton McCallum to the role of engineering manager after Joaquim Gomes returned to Brazil to take up such a role at the Australian bus manufacturer’s parent company, Marcopolo, the company reports. The change is part of a restructure of the engineering team that began at the start of the year with the appointment of Gomes, and involved the alignment of Volgren’s engineering and design processes with those of Marcopolo’s, Volgren explains. The structure instituted in March 2020, will remain the same. Two ‘engineering leaders’ will report to the engineering manager as part of a team divided into two divisions: product and manufacturing. McCallum says the new structure has improved the team and is looking forward to working with both divisions. “The relatively recent addition of engineering leaders has 16

proved to work extremely well. It empowers the leaders to make decisions and have a level of independence regarding their functional areas. It also sets up inherent levels of knowledge transfer of key skills and allows quick reaction to unforeseen circumstances,” McCallum stated. “Regarding the two engineering disciplines, I fully intend to enhance the relationship between these two areas of engineering. “Both have important skillsets which, when working in unison, can only improve the product and manufacturing environment,” he added.

Above: “Being involved from the outset of this new product family is motivating, as it will involve many new and exciting challenges to be overcome,” says Volgren’s new head of engineering, Brenton McCallum.

Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro says the company is already enjoying advantages from the new way of working. “One of the key elements of the Marcopolo Way involves monitoring and control. This was something that Joaquim wanted to implement straight away within the office,” Deiro stated. “Through careful tracking and analysis of vital areas you can see where strengths, weaknesses, bottlenecks, inefficiencies and general areas of improvement are. “It is very powerful to know exactly how the department is performing and how they can be improved,” he added. Deiro says McCallum has been able to hit the ground running, which is one of the many benefits of nurturing talent within an organisation. “It is pleasing to see Brenton rise so quickly within Volgren. We have great confidence in his abilities and had no hesitation in promoting him. In fact, he has accepted two significant promotions in the space of a year.” McCallum says he has much to look forward to in his new role and will keep a particularly close eye on Australia’s shift to zero-emission vehicles. “There has been a big push recently from all levels of government regarding zero-emission vehicles, and this is a fantastic opportunity to show that Volgren can be an industry leader in this area,” McCallum explained. “Volgren received extremely positive feedback on our initial electric bus and we have begun work with other OEM chassis suppliers on their electric vehicles and other zero-emission technologies. “Being involved from the outset of this new product family is motivating, as it will involve many new and exciting challenges to be overcome,” McCallum said.

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NEWS

THE WOT!?!

NEXT LEVEL

BCSA HANDS OVER BLKBONLUCK BUS REINS THE QUEENSLAND-BASED Australian distributor for Chinese-made BLK-Bonluck buses has ‘passed over the baton’ to new operators, it’s announced, with BLK factory operations commencing locally in February. The new company called BLK Auto will be headed by Jason Pecotic – also GM of Optare and Higer bus distributor Bus Corp Oceania and CEO of Hyzon fuel-cell bus distributor HDrive.

PAYING TRIBUTE The move by BLK to establish its own operation in Australia has been made to enable the company to pivot to an electric and hydrogen fuel-cell bus operation and to give it the resources and backing to put it on a footing for a zero emission future, the company states. BLK director Ken Lee congratulated BCSA on the work it has done during the past 14 years. “Under the Bonluck name, BCSA has done a commendable job at pioneering and building sales of BLK product into the Australian and New Zealand bus and coach industry and establishing a strong reputation for reliability, dependability and back-up,” said Lee.

EASY OFFER Aldridge has more than 40 years’ experience as a company director and in senior management roles for both private and public companies, as well as contracting to transport authorities across Australia. He is the current committee chair and been involved with Australian Standards for more than 40 years, BLK Auto states. 18

As managing director of BLK Auto Australia, Pecotic brings more than two decades of experience in the automotive industry, including roles in pioneering other automotive brands in this country. “I have long respected the BLK brand, and as a result when the opportunity to be a part of the new operation came about I could not pass it up,” he said. “The pivot to zero-emission bus technology is an enormous opportunity and, with the backing of BLK, we will have the resources and expertise to take the brand to a new level in Australia. “BLK is already a key part of one of Australia’s first hydrogen fuel-cell-powered bus orders, providing President 2 glider chassis for the winning tender with Hyzon Motors for Fortescue’s initial 10-bus order, for its mining operations in the Pilbara of Western Australia. “BLK Auto will also be distributing a new range of JAC Battery EV trucks, the first of which are set to arrive in Australia within the next two months to start trials with a number of online home delivery retailers,” Pecotic added. While BLK Auto will continue to be based in Queensland, it is immediately looking to appoint a Victorian sales representative along with a group general manager to oversee the sales and distribution throughout Australia and NZ, the company states. Above: BCSA’s Rodd Hood and Athol McKinnon (left) are moving on from BCSA, with new company BLK Auto run by Auto’s new chairman Peter Aldridge and managing director Jason Pecotic (right).

Turkish car maker Karsan, in collaboration with Californian tech company Adastec, has produced Turkey’s first domestically produced electric driverless bus. The 8m-long Karsan Autonomous Atak Electric uses BMW 220-kWh Li-Ion batteries for a range of 300km and can carry 52 passengers. It is described as being the first massproduced electric bus in Europe and the US to feature Level-4 autonomous capabilities for the 8m-long market.

MIND OVER MATTER

In a striking example of interior design, US architecture student converted an old US$3,000 (A$3,888) school bus to a liveable space, giving it the name ‘Roamer’. “I definitely underestimated how long it would take to take out everything,” said Caleb Brackney. “There were over 1,000 screws holding the bus all together.” Cue sympathetic groans from bus restorers everywhere! For all the info on the bus and its conversion process, check out his website: https://roameroutpost.com

EYE CATCHING

At the opposite end of the architecture scale, Zhengzhou Yutong Bus, China’s largest electric bus manufacturer, has had the painters in with a complete revamp of its headquarters in Zhengzhou. DU Studio was tasked with improving the building’s function and aesthetics, but also reusing as much of the original structure as possible. With features including a three-floor high plant wall installed in the atrium, we’re starting to feel a bit guilty about our chronically underwatered peace lily. Check out the pics at http://www.d-u-studio.com/ fwp_project/yutong-headquarter/

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OBITUARY

MICHAEL APPS

An Extraordinary Life Bus industry icon Michael Apps sadly passed away on 26 December, 2020.

ichael’s Farewell Celebration was held at the Kamberra Function Centre in Canberra on January 18, 2021, attended by 150 friends, colleagues and family. An even greater number of 2,000+ joined the celebration online. Michael’s wife, Madonna, and his family sincerely extend their appreciation and warm wishes to all who participated. Michael also received a number of public tributes and these will be made available for a short time on the OzeBus website: ozebus.com.au/tributes.pdf.

ABOUT THE MAN Here, BIC chairman Wayne Patch shares a few key memories about keen rugby player and fan Michael and his commitment and passion for the Australian bus industry. “In February 2002, the Bus Industry Confederation was established, and Michael, as many in Industry will know, served as its executive director for nearly two decades. “At the core of Michael’s national agenda for industry was the development of creative solutions to assist our nation’s policy makers in tackling the many challenges that confront us in respect of moving people around cities, regions and towns. He understood that the challenges we face cannot be overcome by any single transport mode solution and it was this acknowledgement that made him much more than just a bus industry advocate. “Michael led the national agenda for public transport, promoting the benefits of moving-people services as a national priority for all levels of government. His often irreverent approach masked the serious nature of the policies being espoused and enabled the BIC to get politicians and senior bureaucrats to consider BIC’s position. “Michael has formed countless trusted relationships with political 20

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OBITUARY

MICHAEL APPS

operatives of all persuasions, bureaucrats of all jurisdictions and industry participants in every sector. His collegiate approach to his work in Canberra gained him respect from all and strong friendships from many. “In the words of past BIC chairman Stephen Lucas, who spoke at Michael’s Farewell, so aptly said: ‘There are many stories about Appsy and his good-humoured approach to life… Tributes in the media have lauded him with descriptions such as loveable larrikin, but understate the genius of his lobbying. He was never offensive or angry… He made his point with wit and … yes …with a bit of cheek. He had strong friendships across the political spectrum 22

and embedded solid public transport policy in the Australian government. “Industry and Australia are in his debt and we are unlikely to see anybody as effective again…’” “As chairman of the BIC, I leave you with these final words on our little mate. Michael embraced life – with commitment, courage, enthusiasm and joy. Australia has lost one of its most passionate public transport advocates with his passing. “Industry has lost a ‘bus captain’ who genuinely cared about all businesses, all interests and all people. “I have lost an esteemed and trusted colleague and I will always fondly remember him as a great friend whom I shall greatly miss.”

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IN FOCUS

ADELAIDE HYBRID BUS

ADELAIDE O-BAHN HYBRID BUS SERVICE STARTS South Australian bus operator Torrens Transit, which Transit Systems owns, has started to run one of its two new Scania hybrid buses on the Adelaide O-Bahn system.

ith Transit Systems also currently having electric bus trials underway in New South Wales, Australia’s largest order of electric buses on track, and a partnership in the world’s first hydrogen bus consortium, the company – celebrating 25 years in business recently – “is driving real change in the way sustainable public transport is delivered”, it states.

On Thursday, January 21, the two new Scania hybrids entered service for the Adelaide Metro, giving bus customers a “greener, cleaner commute”, according to Clint Feuerherdt, CEO of SeaLink Travel Group, which in turn owns Transit Systems. The buses join Transit Systems’ suite of sustainable vehicles as many governments make the move to more sustainable operations, the company explains. “We are leading the charge with sustainable transport solutions,

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and we’re proud to be the first operator in South Australia to bring these hybrid buses into service for Adelaide Metro, Feureherdt said. “They proudly join our global fleet of innovative vehicles, where we have extensive experience and knowledge across electric, hydrogen and now hybrid capabilities,” he added.

SYDNEY ORDER The announcement comes after Transit Systems confirmed it had placed Australia’s largest order of electric buses as part of the NSW government’s commitment to transition its diesel bus fleet to zero-emission technology, with 31 buses set to arrive at their Sydney depots. That order followed the ongoing and successful electric bus trial with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), which has seen the fleet of four zero-emission electric buses rack up more than 300,000 kilometres over 18 months, it confirms. “We are passionate about researching, developing and delivering more sustainable transport options and we are excited to work with partners who share our vision to create zero emission networks,” Feuerherdt said.

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Transit Systems also recently celebrated 25 years in business. As the company explains, it began with a “... leap of faith, was sustained by enthusiastic professionalism and supported by an amazing team, and enters the second 25 years as a great Australian company, still on the threshold of growth.” On Sunday morning, January 21, 1996, a green and white bus departed from a rented industrial property in Midvale, East of Perth. For the first time since August, 1962, an urban service bus in Perth was operated by a privately owned operator, it explains. From these humble

We are leading the charge with sustainable transport solutions. beginnings, the business grew by winning new contracts in Perth, Adelaide, a marine business in Queensland, London, Sydney, Darwin, Singapore and Melbourne, eventually becoming the largest bus operator in Australia, it states. In January 2020, the Group trading as Transit Systems and Tower Transit, was acquired by ASX listed SeaLink Travel Group, and together the business became one of Australia’s most experienced and diverse multi-modal transport businesses, boasting performance driven capabilities across ferry, bus and light rail, it says.

ABOUT SEALINK SeaLink Travel Group is Australia’s largest integrated land and marine, tourism and public transport service provider with

Opposite, Above: The Transit Systems-owned Torrens Transit has started to run one of its two new Scania hybrid buses on the famed O-Bahn, recently. Top: Transit Systems is celebrating 25 years in business,

established international operations in London and Singapore, it explains. It is one of Australia’s most experienced and diverse multi-modal transport businesses, boasting performance-driven capabilities across ferry, bus and light rail, it states. SeaLink is made up of Australian marine and tourism operations and Transit Systems’ domestic and international public bus and light rail transport operations, it says. SeaLink moves more than 285 million customers per year, has in excess of 8,840 employees and operates approximately 3,500 buses and 118 ferries, it adds.

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IN FOCUS

BUSWORLD EUROPE 2021

BUSWORLD EUROPE, 2021 DATES SET: 9-14 OCT A growing tally of 303 exhibitors and 75 per cent exhibition space has thus far been allocated for the forthcoming Busworld Europe 2021 event, to be held in Brussels, Belgium in October.

espite two notable omissions – Daimler Buses and Volvo Buses – Busworld Europe will take place in Brussels Expo on October 9–14. The Busworld team says its normal preparations are going “full speed ahead” and media campaigns are being booked and will start in April. The Busworld Awards organisation had its first meeting and will send the invitation to all bus manufacturers and also the sales department is adding new exhibitors every day, it confirms. As indicated in the online exhibitor list, on the renewed Busworld Europe website, two

important names are missing: Daimler Buses and Volvo Buses, Busworld confirms. Both companies have decided not to participate in the Busworld 2021 edition, organisers state. Conversely, other major brands will be present, it seems, such as: Van Hool, MAN, VDL, Scania, Irizar, Iveco, Solaris Bus & Coach, Anadolu Isuzu, BYD, Karsan, Alexander Dennis, Ebusco, Yutong, Caetanobus (with Toyota), Marcopolo and many more. The complete list is available at www.busworldeurope.org.

WHAT’S IN STORE In total the vehicle manufacturers and body builders represent 30,000

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We are working and investing from our side to get buses and coaches on the road again. square metres in the Brussels Expo. Many premières and top-of-the-bill buses, coaches and minibuses will be on display, as always, says Busworld, meaning, “…visitors will still be able to satisfy their bus needs.” At the time of publishing, Busworld registered 303 exhibitors and sold 75 per cent of its total space, so interested exhibitors, “…should not postpone

their bookings, since the best spots are being taken very rapidly now,” Busworld states. “We are extremely grateful to our loyal exhibitors who give us their trust,” said Busworld Europe director Mieke Glorieux. “We will make sure they will not regret standing together with us. Dr. Nicholas Butler once said: ‘Optimism is essential to achievement and is also the foundation of courage and true progress.’ We are working and

investing from our side to get buses and coaches on the road again, together with our brave exhibitors and our worldwide network. “Thanks for all the support. Let’s rock in October!”

ABOUT BUSWORLD Busworld started its journey in 1971 and has completed 50 years of success, it states, and is the most recognised international exhibition in the world exclusively for the bus and coach industry. The parent exhibition is Busworld Europe with other events facilitating worldwide coverage. The current satellite exhibitions in 2021 are North America, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. In 2022 Turkey, India and Russia are on the agenda, Busworld confirms.

Opposite and above: Big names like Iveco and MAN will be showing off their latest vehicles. Top: “We are extremely grateful to our loyal exhibitors who give us their trust,” said Busworld Europe director Mieke Glorieux. Below: Many premières and top-of-the-bill buses, coaches and minibuses will be on display, as always, says Busworld, meaning, “…visitors will still be able to satisfy their bus needs.”

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IN FOCUS

MARCOPOLO AUDACE 1050

MARCOPOLO LAUNCHES NEW AUDACE 1050 COACH IN AUSTRALIA Volgren parent company Marcopolo has launched a new Audace coach series for the Australian bus market – the Audace 1050 – aimed at the school, charter and long-distance coach sector, the company announced recently.

vailable in either 57 fixed or 53 reclining seat models – and available to order in Australia from February 2021 – both buses feature high levels of customisation and flexibility with options for toilets and wheel-chair lifts installed, explains Marcopolo. Available to order exclusively by Australian operators from February 2021, the updated model continues the momentum for the popular vehicles since first launching in Australia in 2013, it states. As a point of note for local bus fans, Marcopolo has brought a total of 200 Audaces into the country through its Australian operation, Volgren. The changes range from major design to bodywork adjustments to wholesale seating

modifications, says Volgren’s national sales manager Yuri Tessari. “The Marcopolo Audace is a proven performer with more than 450 units sold globally each year. It’s a high-quality, flexible bus on a top-class European chassis, and it offers plenty of passenger comfort while being competitively priced,” Tessari explained. “It’s also an incredibly versatile bus that can be used in a range of applications from school runs, charter, mining and long-distance trips. “The changes we’ve made are mostly design refinements and body improvements, apart from one major shift: we are now offering a version of the Audace 1050 with reclining seats and retractable armrests, aimed at long-distance operators

who want to offer passengers extra comfort,” he stated. Tessari says the changes are a result of operator feedback and the company’s global insistence on continual improvement in design and engineering – backed up by arguably the most successful bus body builder in the world. “Since we first launched this bus in Australia we’ve made strong progress in standardising the way we build buses all over the world,” he said. “We call our manufacturing method – it’s actually about our entire workplace culture – the Marcopolo Way, and as we work towards it we improve our buses in every one of our facilities. You can see that improvement in this bus.”

BORDER HOPES The launch comes after a difficult period for operators impacted by Covid-19 and Tessari says that as Australian state borders open again he hopes the Audace launch will help ensure operator confidence in the sector. “We know better than most that the travel and tourism industry, which includes school, charter and coach operators, has been badly affected over the last 10 or 11 months,” he stated. “All operators will be looking at 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism and perhaps with a fresh start in mind, so we think the new Audace enters the market 28

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The beauty of the Audace is you get an upgraded version of one of the most popular and versatile buses of its type. at the right time,” Tessari explained. “The Victorian government announced in December last year a quarter of a million dollars to upgrade the Great Ocean Road, which is such an important destination for coach operators. I think that demonstrates that some confidence and optimism is returning to the industry.”

CHASSIS SPEC The first two Audace 1050s that have arrived in the country are built on a Volvo B8R Euro 5, two-axle chassis with ZF automatic transmission. They will be supported locally by Volgren`s strong after-sales support with presence in VIC, NSW, QLD and WA, Marcopolo confirms. “The beauty of the Audace is you get an upgraded version of one of the most popular and versatile buses of its type on the planet built specifically for this country with after-sales service offered by Australia’s most trusted bus body builder,” Tessari stated.

“As an operator you can expect precisely the same after-sales service with your Audace as you’d get with a Volgren Optimus.”

QUICKSILVER INVESTMENT Quicksilver Cruises (QSC) coach operations manager Ben Tozer – one of Australia’s leading Great Barrier Reef tourism operations – has four Marcopolo Audaces in his fleet. Quicksilver coaches transfer passengers from Cairns and surrounds to Port Douglas, it explains. The coastal road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, but due to its winding, hilly course it’s demanding on coach safety and passenger comfort, it adds. “After careful consideration the Marcopolo Audace was chosen as the coach for Quicksilver’s coach-replacement program. QSC took possession of their first Audace in 2016. Since then three more Marcopolo Audaces have been added to the fleet,” Tozer said.

Top: The first two Audace 1050s that have arrived in the country are built on a Volvo B8R Euro 5, twoaxle chassis with ZF automatic transmission, Marcopolo confirms. Above, Right: Audace 1050 with 57 fixed seats. Opposite, Bottom: Audace 1050 with 53 reclining seats.

“The Audace have performed well with numerous compliments from passengers and drivers on its comfort and handling. Fuel consumption, servicing and after sales assistance have been consistently good. “The investment in the vehicles highlight Quicksilver’s commitment to the comfort of our passengers and also ensuring we continue to lead in all aspects of environmental sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” he added.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ZF DRIVES ELECTRIC INNOVATION

ZF and the word ‘technology’ have been intrinsically linked for decades because, from the very beginning, that is what ZF has done – develop, manufacture and deliver innovative technology to the world’s automotive manufacturers.

hether it is passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, or buses and coaches, ZF technology has been central to the safety, performance and efficiency of these vehicles for generations. And in the e-Mobility space, ZF’s years of research and development continues to place it ahead of the competition. “For over 100 years, ZF has globally developed a reputation as a leader in automotive systems, and has subsequently been at the forefront of the move towards electrification in the commercial vehicle segment,” said Shane Trenbath, technical services manager, ZF Services Australia. “What makes ZF unique is that the expertise for all of the different components of the EV system are available from a single source, which truly sets us apart.”

THE NEXT STEP The AxTrax AVE portal axle has already been installed in over 2,200 electric buses globally, which have subsequently travelled around 150 million kilometres with zero-emissions. Local Oceania manufacturers including BusTech Group in Australia, as well as Zemtec and Global Bus Ventures in New Zealand, have selected AxTrax AVE in their designed chassis, with trials commencing shortly. 30

The system can be utilised in numerous configurations, including pure electric buses, hybrid buses and trolleybuses, in both solo and articulated wheelbase configurations, with energy provided by battery, fuel cell, supercapacitor or mains supply. Instead of a traditional driveline featuring an engine, transmission, prop shaft and a differential, the AxTrax AVE features a compact electrical engine installed within what would typically be the hub of the wheel. Providing high-torque output, the system keeps weight low, while also saving space. The system utilises regenerative braking, which tops up battery stores while saving on service brakes, with the overall system containing fewer moving parts that in turn simplifies the maintenance task. Tuned specifically for each installation, the AxTrax AVE system features an inverter and the ZF EST 54 control unit, which manages power requests, recuperation and energy storage needs.

ZF CETRAX DRIVE SYSTEM For manufacturers looking to integrate an electric drive system into their conventional vehicle designs, the CeTrax is a recent addition to the ZF range, opening up a host of installation options. Bus manufacturers can utilise the system in both low-entry and high-floor

applications, as well as for low-floor buses in combination with the AV 133 portal axle. With a maximum power output of 300 kilowatts and a top torque figure of 4,500Nm, CeTrax has the performance to overcome the toughest terrain. Featuring tried and proven components from the ZF-EcoLife city bus transmission, the CeTrax is lighter and more compact than combustion engine options, all while allowing for the use of standard axles and common differential ratios.

THE WHOLE PACKAGE ZF’s OE range for buses and coaches features a vast catalogue of parts, from driveline, to steering, brakes, chassis and electronic components. Transmissions include the proven EcoLife and AS Tronic, as well as TraXon. Aftermarket components from ZF and its LEMFÖRDER, SACHS and TRW brands include the CDC electronic damping system, individual dampers, ActivMode and EV Series power steering pumps, clutch and dual mass flywheel systems, and electronic control units. There is also a myriad of parts including steering systems and chassis, axles, clutches, brake components and lubricants. Further details are available at zf.com/ au, or by calling 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93 72537).

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Systematic Perfection! The electric driveline is here to stay. ZF therefore provides two solutions for city buses up to 29t. From these two solutions bus manufacturers and end customers choose the system that suits their requirements best: the AxTrax AVE electric portal axle or the CeTrax electric central drive. Both products feature high peak and constant power with liquid cooling and a low dead weight. The AxTrax AVE with two integrated wheel motors and a maximum power of 250 kW can be installed with conventional ZF low-floor axles and allows for innovative bus concepts. With the integrated planetary stage of ZF EcoLife, CeTrax transfers 300 kW to the road and can be installed in all types of buses with standard axles. The ZF experts provide the same long-term support and service from a single source as for conventional systems. zf.com/buses

For more information, contact ZF Services Australia 02 9679 5555 ABC-FP-5211235-TS-402

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EVENT NEWS

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

A stream of announcements about the new products that will be on display at this year’s highly anticipated Brisbane Truck Show will be coming soon, so stay tuned.

ith visits to showrooms and customers off the cards for significant parts of the past year, the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show presents the best opportunity to come together and reconnect with customers, peers and the entire industry. It also allows for these new products, models or innovations to be seen up close. That applies across the full range of trucks, trailers, components, technology, equipment, accessories and even merchandise. On the opening morning of the show, highly anticipated new models will be unveiled to an eager audience. Before the doors open the halls are busy with sales teams putting a final polish on every item and every counter. It is a beautiful thing to see the lights come on, screens light up and the doors open. But first is the media tour. Each of the truck manufacturers has five minutes for each of their brands; the aim is to get the pack of industry journalists excited about the latest innovations. Each manufacturer has a different pitch based on its new model: is it packed with safety technology, will it be more productive than existing models, or will we see the spotlight on sustainability in 2021? Executives from each of the brands are on hand to pull the silks off and tell their stories. Their enthusiasm is infectious. It is hard not to imagine your own livery painted across cab doors and trailer curtains. This year will be a little bit different because the crowd will not be packed so tightly as we ensure a COVIDSafe event. But we promise you will be able to get up close to the new models and innovations. We are lucky enough to be attending the Southern Hemisphere’s largest automotive event, in one of the world’s best convention centres. That means your experience has been

You get great value for a fun day’s entertainment.

It is hard not to imagine your own livery painted across cab doors and trailer curtains. carefully planned to ensure your safety and wellbeing are the highest of priorities. The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Government, and the truck show’s organiser Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a COVIDSafe event. Likewise, the exhibitors are putting the same degree of care into the planning of their exhibits and following detailed guidelines that have been developed to give everyone confidence that the rebirth of major Australian business events is delivered successfully by every measure. Tickets are on sale now. It is hard to imagine better value for a full day’s entertainment and yet this year the show delivers.

Not only is the Brisbane Truck Show accompanied by the South Bank Truck Festival with a huge display of trucks and trailers on display in the parklands, and all the free entertainment in the area, this year your ticket will also get you into the new Civil Construction Field Days – the new heavy equipment and machinery show awash with everything you could ask for in excavators, graders, rollers and the like. All of that on one ticket! Then, add to that the chance to win the Ultimate VIP Experience Package just by registering your ticket. The BTS21 major promotion partner, Morris Finance, has put together a package of amazing experiences including a box at the AFL, V8 supercar hot laps, four Bathurst 1000 corporate suite tickets, and your own racing simulator. Add to that a large screen TV, SP Tools voucher, bar fridge, BBQ, Walkinshaw Sports golf buggy, a fire pit, dart board and more. It’s a heck of a prize and you will be in the running when you purchase and register your ticket to the show.

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INNOVATION - SUSTAINABILITY - SAFETY - KNOWLEDGE - CAREERS - COMMUNITY

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COVERSTORY

INTERLINE BCI E-BUS

FALLING INTO LINE On course to be the second largest e-bus operator in NSW, Interline’s initial 10-vehicle fleet in 2021 kicked off with its first BCI Citirider E delivered for south-west Sydney, recently. Owner Joe Oliveri took some time out for ABC magazine to talk all things electric bus and where the industry should go from here – and why. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY BCI + BUSNSW

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f you’ve been around the traps long enough and have the appropriately thinning grey hairs to prove it then you might recall a series of mid’80s automotive lubricant television commercials with the catchy catchcry “Oils ain’t oils”. The cheeky Capone-vibe message delivery not only ensured it remains deeply rooted in the nostalgic memory banks of the kid viewers of the day, but underscored the simple and logical warning that not everything is as it seems, or that not all products and services – in that case car oil – performed equally as many might foolishly hope for. ‘You get what you pay for’? Well, kind of something like that. Applicable in all kinds of realms, the highlighting of such difference is equally at play in the rapidly emerging world of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) and sundry ancillary technologies such as batteries, charging infrastructure, air-conditioning system optimisation or hydrogen city bus applicability. Even how effectively drivers are trained to drive them optimally. This means that discerning choice of all components could prove many an operator’s greatest (i.e. cost prohibitive) challenge. And it is these types of insights and erudite bus-purchasing advice that can be gleaned when talking to long-established local bus operators like Interline’s Jo Oliveri.

INITIAL RESULTS “The minister announced that he wants 8,000 buses to be electrified by 2030 – but 90 per cent of the operators wouldn’t have a clue what they were buying, nor know what they are trying to buy,” Oliveri stated. “I don’t think they’ve researched it enough and if they did their research it must be different to mine,” he added curiously. “I was really into hydrogen, but then I started looking into it – and it’s not about the cost of the bus and the cell; it’s about the continuation and the price of hydrogen and how to make hydrogen. “If you get hydrogen off a by-product of something else and

it’s cheap enough, hydrogen is a way to go for distance. But in saying that, this 12.5-metre BCI we are testing out on all the shifts we are doing has so far already done a double shift and it came back with 30 per cent power! “Other people have said ‘well, how many kilometres [distance] does it do?’ Well, sure, the more kilometres a bus does means the more energy it needs to do it because it’s actually pushing the motor, but I don’t care how many kilometres it does because, for me, my diesels are for two shifts, which means the driver changes over at Macquarie Fields or they do a quick changeover in the yard at Leppington. “The bus is out for 16–18 hours, so I don’t care how many kilometres it does because I know the shifts call for x-amount of hours. And that’s all I have got to worry about. “I have to make sure it goes out, does the second shift, and has enough power to get back to the yard. And so far the one we tried, the BCI with 422kW batteries, it went out at 6.00am, it came back just before the second half for about an hour, and it went out again and came back at 10.30pm – that’s close on to 17 hours, right?” Oliveri analysed. “So that’s it, that’s my basic game. Now, if I was doing Nightrider I would expect the bus to do three shifts because I know the modern diesels can do that, but two shifts does me, and so far it’s showing promise.”

DRIVER TRAINING “Only this morning I was out showing the driver how to drive it because everyone – including the Chinese and the Aussies [manufacturers] – don’t know how to conserve [battery] energy; they are expecting the driver training to help do all this, depending on [the driver] putting their foot on the brake or taking it off for regeneration, depending on how you want to configure the bus,” he explained. “I did an experiment and I put in a driver that I told - but didn’t harp on about - conserving energy to ‘keep it in the green’ and that way

busnews.com.au February 2021 ABC

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COVERSTORY

INTERLINE BCI E-BUS

discharge because ‘it’s got nowhere to put the charge’ – and that’s where the electronic brakes become the throttle, feeling a little bit more like a standard bus.”

POWER CONSUMPTION

Top: It’s so quiet on the road that an artificial sound when moving below 30km/h alerts pedestrians near the e-bus. Above: Driver training around braking is important to maximise battery use. Opposite, Above + below: BCI’s Citirider E 12.5m-long bus is one of the lightest on the market. 36

we’ll get two shifts out of it, right? The first driver did what he had to do for half an hour then forgot what he was supposed to be doing and just pounded the crap out of it. And even doing that the second driver – a more conservative and conscientious driver – took it out for the second part of the shift from 2.30 in the afternoon and finished at 9.45 that night – and he was wrapped [to get back with charge]. “There’s other little things that operators have to be careful of with an electric bus. Technically, as far as I know, all electric buses when it’s got 100 per cent charge won’t regenerate for the first 2 per cent of

“Air-conditioning is a major, major part to this [electric buses]. The Thermo King that’s on this one took about an hour and half to get down to a set temperature on a really hot day we had here when I had the bus out for eight hours. It took a lot of energy to get it down initially. I asked ‘can we have it drop down fast then let it stay 1-2 degrees around the desired temp? Just like a housing cooling/heating system? If you come into your house from 40-degree heat without the air conditioner on it’s going to struggle to bring it down to a set temperature, right? But if you turn that air conditioner on in the morning when there is no heat, that air conditioner will bring it down to a set temperature within 5–10 minutes and sit there. That way, like in a house, when you know it’s going to be a hot day you turn the aircon on early, so then the floor is cold, all

the furniture is cold, the roof is cold – and it’s the same with a bus. “The energy that the seats absorb, the steel in the bus, it will take the heat. Then as it’s cooling down it’s going to release that heat. But if you can actually get the bus to be cool before it [the day] actually gets hot then it [the air-con] doesn’t need to really do any ‘work’. Ultimately, even with those conditions the BCI would come back [after two shifts] with 30 per cent power.”

BATTERY COOLING Oliveri explains that while driving

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there is virtually no noise at all other than from air conditioning because on the BCI it actually cools the batteries. Interestingly, if the batteries get too hot the air conditioning will override and just cool the batteries, which is only for around 10 minutes if you are lucky, he says. Whereas other systems, different technologies like solid state must be kept at a certain temperature, which he says go into a liquid state at about 60 degrees. “Driveability? The BCI handles really, really well. It’s really stable. You wouldn’t have a clue there’s a tonne and a half of whatever it is on the roof. I don’t know what the new Yutongs are like, which

The only thing drivers have to do at the moment is keep it in the green and make sure you get the maximum efficiency out of it. I haven’t taken for a drive yet; the old test Yutongs used to sort of swing a bit because of the roof pod. “The 12.5-metre BCI is just like any other BCI. With everything non-European, I don’t think the turning circle is as good as the European buses, but I’ve been guaranteed the next one we get will have that turning circle in it because I can’t get them around all the roundabouts we have in our area,” he laughed. ”But overall the only thing drivers have to do at the moment is keep it in the green and make sure you get the maximum efficiency [out of it].”

TYRE WEAR “The BCIs have the motor at the back of the bus. They’ve got a standard diff, a standard tailshaft – but they haven’t got a transmission. Whereas [other e-buses] have wheelhub motors – and that’s an issue for me,” Oliveri stated. “It wasn’t at first, but I started

researching and found they wear out back tyres and they wear out front tyres quicker than a normal bus – about 50 per cent faster than normal,” he said. “Why? Not because of weight or the acceleration [e-buses are fast if not limited], but because it hasn’t got a differential; buses like the BYDs have the motors in the hubs, so that means that a computer has to control turning circles. So if they don’t get that right then one tyre is going to push another tyre and it’s going to push the other tyre and naturally it’s going to wear out quicker. So that’s one of the main reasons I didn’t want to go out and buy $600 tyres. “Volvo (I’ve seen one of the Volvo e-bus chassis), BCI, Custom Bus, Bustech – they’ve all got a motor and no transmission (except for the Volvo) and a tailshaft to a normal diff.”

CHARGING COSTS The key for operators as they transition to busnews.com.au February 2021 ABC

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COVERSTORY

INTERLINE BCI E-BUS

INTERLINE’S FLEET Though the BCI is the first electric bus for Sydney’s south west region – run by Region 2 operator Interline – another nine Yutong e-buses are due throughout 2021, and possibly a Custom-Denning Element to come, sources reveal exclusively to ABC magazine. The ‘quieter and cleaner’ bus journeys in Sydney’s south west will see Interline’s new electric BCI Citirider EV bus initially operate on routes 859 (Carnes Hill to Edmondson Park) and 858 (Oran Park Town Centre to Leppington), Transport for NSW confirmed. The BCI e-bus is capable of running for up to seven hours on a full charge, TfNSW explained, while (at the time of print) the first two of the remaining nine Yutong electric buses have been delivered (presently at Wales) with the remainder due to Interline by the end of the year, we hear. ABC magazine video footage of the new BCI bus in action around Leppington Station gives the electric-bus uninitiated some sense of how quiet this BCI e-bus is in action. Surprisingly, a BCI spokesperson confirms that, for safety, that sound is an external artificial noise to alert pedestrians, which cuts out at 30km/h. NSW minister for transport and roads Andrew Constance says it is one of more than 50 new electric buses being delivered across Sydney this year. “Five electric buses have already been trialled in Sydney’s inner west and now it is time for customers in the south-west to start reaping the benefits of this amazing technology,” Minister Constance stated. “We are one step closer to creating a greener, cleaner and healthier future for the people of NSW, with inner-west customers and staff already giving us positive feedback about the quieter journeys. “The NSW government is committed to transitioning its 8,000 diesel buses to zero-emission technology and I have previously set Transport for NSW the goal of electrifying the fleet by 2030.”

All the drivers who have driven it have given it a big tick so far.

Opposite, Top: Interline’s owner Joe Oliveri says although the move to electric has benefits, there are still a lot of operational challenges around electric buses that need to be fully considered. Opposite, Below: (L-R) Peter Sidgreaves, Member for Camden; Matt Threlkeld, BusNSW; Joe Oliveri, Interline Bus Services; Andrew Constance, NSW minister for transport and roads; and Melanie Gibbons, Member for Holsworthy, who attended the handover at Leppington Railway Station, recently.

ZEB fleets is how to save electricity. “Once I told my provider what rates I would be using, the rate tumbled down because we are expecting to use about 1 MegaWatt per year for 10 buses. We estimated we’d be using about 300kW per day average on each bus and when we did this bus on full double shifts we actually pumped into it 279kW. And because I haven’t got my electricity yet – my 2,000 amps – it took nine hours to charge because if I charged it any faster I would have blacked out the place,” he joked. “I have the certification to do that and now I’m in the process of getting the contractor to bring the power to the yard and once that is in and the new substation is put in I’ll have 2,000 amps. And from then on, once I get up to about 25 buses I’ve got to work out which way

I’ve got to go: do I bring in another source of power from the substation around the corner – which is big dollars because they’d have to run cables just to me. That cost will not be subsidised by the government. That kind of thing will be part of a tender,” he explained. “So there are a million ways to approach this [charging delivery]; I’m looking at bringing in 1,000 MegaWatt containers, with one MegaWatt I could probably charge 30-odd buses, so if I replace all the fleet and do those too I’ll have 120-odd buses and all of them will be at Leppington very soon. “Or do I get 4,000 amps from the power station? How much does that cost? To bring 2,000 amps in here, which has no infrastructure, there’s no footpaths, there’s no rural roads here, there’s nothing here; I can get

it in for about $230,000. “And then the infrastructure inside the yard, the chargers are worth about $55,000 each. To get that fixed for five chargers was $29 grand. The cabling alone was $22,000. So, a switchboard to get the 2,000 amps in was $28,000. And for every two buses you need one charger. “Five chargers means they are ‘double guns’; you can plug two buses in, and they are only 120kW chargers and that’s all you really need. You can go up to 180kW chargers, but if you pump 180 into one bus you have to have liquid-cooled guns and cabling because then it gets too hot. So at 60kW per bus that’s about five hours to charge – which is not bad.” The software in the bus is also key he says for efficient operation. “The software I’m looking at actually recognises the bus. It knows a bus has ‘this much charge’ on it when it comes in. It then works out which bus needs more power and charging time and the rest can wait until they are ready to be fully charged,” he explained. “To do this manually you’d have to have people here at 2–3 ‘o clock in the morning making sure buses are getting charged.

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AC VS DC “Everyone [operators] seems have gone out and bought these BYDs with AC charging and I’ve asked questions around why that is being allowed to happen when the whole of Europe is going DC [charging] with two guns on it. Why go against CC2 [combined] charging in Europe when that’s going to be the mainstay? Even Yutong is CC2. BCI is CC2. Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Volvo, MAN, Bustech – they are all CC2 charging. And I’m hearing BYD is changing over to DC charging anyway, so why are we [Australia] buying all this AC charging?” Oliveri raised. “People say that AC charging will charge quicker – um, no it won’t! Both DC and AC charging count on how many kilowatts per hour the bus can take. If you don’t have the right amperage coming into your yard, it isn’t going to charge any bloody buses. “The reason I applied for 2,000 amps is when I applied for 500kW from the substation they [the electricity provider] gave me a price, which turned out to be about the same for 2,000 amps. T “They are insisting on going underground, but with the roads to be widened in about five years I reminded them they would only have to dig it up again, which is a waste. But they said their policy was to simply go underground whenever they could. “So that’s the kind of thing other Australian operators will have to be

dealing with and consider when it comes to running an e-bus fleet, along with prices of batteries [expected to reduce as more adopt the technology], how many years they last versus how technology will change [performance/battery size] over that time, plus how they are looked after via charging them properly [batteries need to be balanced – slow charge rates at the start and end of the charging cycle ensure they supply power consistently across the board],” Oliveri explained. “Balancing could take up to 15 hours in winter. Batteries will actively balance

themselves if not fully charged – who can afford to have buses not running for 15 hours? “But overall, for our first e-bus, the BCI is finished well. Suspension wise, we got underneath and had a look at the welding – it was really, really good. And all the drivers who have driven it have given it a big tick so far.”

FIRST BUS OFF THE RANK For Australia’s Perth-based BCI, the delivery to Interline of its Chinese-assembled, European componentry Citirider E e-bus

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COVERSTORY

INTERLINE BCI E-BUS

(curiously designated EV Citirider for Interline, but we are assured this was just the way the destination sign was set up) marks its first Australian operator delivery of this model on these shores, which is a key feather in BCI’s cap for local bus industry acceptance, given the strict Transport for NSW Panel 3 requirements that needed to be met. “BCI has a long history of building clean energy buses being one of the pioneer Australian manufacturers to build both hybrid/electric and full electric buses back in the late ’00s,” said BCI Victoria state manager, Cameron Millen. “The latest BCI Citirider E has been a two-year project and was heavily centred around R&D. Taking the learnings of those early days we spent a lot of time researching products to ensure we had the latest, and highest quality componentry available. “Our vision as a company was to design and build a zero-emission bus that could replace a diesel bus in terms of operational requirements, driveability and passenger experience. “For the most part, the passengers and driver wouldn’t know they were on an electric bus; the big giveaway is just how quiet and smooth the Citirider E is. In terms of current NSW e-bus running requirements, Millen explained: “The BCI prototype electric bus was designed and built as a TfNSW panel bus. NSW currently has the largest uptake of electric buses, so it made sense to build the bus to this 40

Our vision as a company was to design and build a zero-emission bus that could replace a diesel bus. specification. About the only changes to the EV that ABC magazine tested and the one we delivered is the livery and the addition of the Opal ticketing system. The passenger seats were also changed due to the customers’ requirements. “With regard to the mirrors, this is something the operator has changed after delivery. BCI hopes to offer this option in the future once testing and approval has been done.” In terms of delivery times, Millen stated: “The build times for the EV are quicker than a diesel bus. This is mostly due to lead time of components – engines from Europe, transmission from Europe, etc.”

POINTS OF DIFFERENCE So what is the Citirider E’s advantage over its marketplace rivals? Millen explained: “Basically weight, dimension and battery capacity. “We have one of the lightest e-buses on the market built to 12.5 metres – not 12 metres [meaning increased seating capacity] with 403kW of battery storage [currently completing in excess of a 16-hour shift with about 30 per cent charge in reserve].” Oliveri confirms this, stating the

bus will do 16 hours and that Interline has tried it already on a double shift. “This allows the operator to run the bus on a double shift and only need to charge overnight using off-peak electricity,” he added. “We can supply individual bus chargers, or in the case of large fleets we work with some of the larger supply companies that provide large-scale fleet systems.” “It is also worth noting that BCI are the Australian service agents for CATL batteries. CATL are one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world. Their batteries are found in many brands of EV vehicles from cars, trucks and buses – including the BCI Citirider E,” he explained. “We are hopeful the product will be taken up by the other states.”

ABOUT INTERLINE Interline Bus Services in NSW provides school and route bus services in Campbelltown, Minto, Raby, Macquarie Fields, Ingleburn, Bow Bowing and Liverpool, it states. The company operates scheduled bus services in Sydney Metropolitan Bus Region 2.

ABC February 2021 busnews.com.au

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OPERATOR

SLEEPBUS.ORG

SLEEP MAKER

Each year in Australia, fluctuating fortunes have meant multiple thousands of people unfortunately are forced to sleep on the streets unsheltered every night, let alone have some place safe to stay for longer. If indeed ‘charity begins at home’, what if that home is actually a bus – a ‘sleepbus’, to be precise?

WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY SLEEPBUS.ORG

hen a business or organisation’smission statement is so impactful that it could better off used as a societal clarion call for a lost and wistful nation, arguably it is time to take note. “Welcome to the family!” Spotswood, Melbourne-based Sleepbus – winner of the 2017 Telstra Victorian Charity of the Year award – starts its introduction to the masses. “When people work together, their strengths magnify. Family bestows them with a collective power to withstand all kinds of hardship. This is why family is extremely important,” it explains. “Sleepbus is a non-profit organisation bringing safe overnight accommodation to people sleeping rough in Australia. Our accommodation is not a long-term solution; we don’t offer counselling, we don’t give money, we don’t provide the Ritz. What we do provide is a safe night’s sleep; we get people off the street,” it succinctly explains. “Sleepbus is distinct yet complementary to existing efforts from other organisations supporting Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Our work aims to fill a ‘gap’ rather than overlap or replicate activities that support the urgent needs of people in Australia.” At the heart of the matter is its beautifully simplistic mantra, one that is often forgotten or taken for granted by many of the time-poor and rat-race-challenged among us these days: ‘Sleep changes everything.’ “Our mission [is] to bring safe overnight accommodation to people sleeping rough in Australia,” it continues. 42

“Our vision [is] to end the need for people sleeping rough in Australia,” and that: “Our family … will use its collective power to help people find pathways out of homelessness.” So what inspired Sleepbus founder and CEO Simon Rowe [spoiler alert: he and his family do much of the fabrication work on the buses themselves! Let’s just let that sink in for a moment] to start such a benevolent entity that offers dignity and grace each night for often dejected and despondent ‘guests’ whom have nowhere safe, clean, comfy and simply nice to sleep? “In short, I found the tiredest man I had ever seen and my kids told me to do something about it,” a justifiably busy Rowe

Our vision is to end the need for people sleeping rough in Australia. explained to ABC magazine, recently. “I am extremely proud of my boys [now 21 years old] who have dug in, worked hard, helped me when I needed it and been a massive supporter of what I’m trying to do – that’s pretty special,” said Rowe. “After all, all of this is their fault,” he laughed. “Because of the effect ‘the tiredest man I had ever seen’ had on me, my boys [15 at the time] challenged me to do something about it and this set in motion a complete life change for me; from the business and corporate arenas to the charity sector and

bus building – and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he explained.

THE FLEET The sleepbus.org bus fleet currently consists of: 1x Scania 1995 three-axle; 1x Volvo 1995 three-axle, 1x Mercedes-Benz 1992 two-axle, 1x Motorcoach 1992 two-axle, 1x PMC two-axle (as a workshop) – it drives, but not registered; 1x Mercedes-Benz 1990 two-axle as a stationary laundry bus (no engine or gearbox); and a Hino two-axle as a future medical bus to be called ‘sleepbus Health’. “I’m not sure what bodies they are – they are sleepbus ones now,” he joked. “The workshop bus drives and we obviously use this for our workshop to keep us out of the weather,” Rowe explained. “We also get our depot for free, but the landlord may need to move us to other locations from time to time, so it was important that our set-up was mobile and we could just drive to the a new location and just keep going, so no setup required. “The laundry bus is set up to just plug into an extension power cord and garden hose and the commercial laundry fires up! We just have to tow that if we have to move, which hasn’t happened yet.”

THE STRUCTURE So how many people are involved at the core of Sleepbus and what are their connections exactly, you might ask – all family members, or people from all walks of life just wanting to get involved? And what drives them as a team to make a change? “I would say every charity starts just like

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OPERATOR

Top: CEO Simon Rowe with his son, Harrison, and dog, Tilly. Right: The Sleepbus vehicles give homeless people a safe, warm and clean place to sleep for the night. Below: Sleepbus handles its own rebuilding of the buses to turn them into mobile shelters. Opposite, Top: The sleepbus.org system.

SLEEPBUS.ORG

we have, with family and friends around the dining table. That’s us – and family don’t complain about working for free,” Rowe chuckled innocently. “We run very lean, by design, so it’s just three of us and a graphic designer. “I do all the work,” he responded when asked about whom does the modifications and fabrication work on the buses. “I’m 100 per cent hands on. I designed and built the prototype sleepbus and the rest we have now [by] myself, with help from two sons. “The only fabrication work we farm out now is when the side of the bus is cut out and the sleep pod access doors are welded in,” he said. “It is just far more cost effective doing it ourselves; to have a third party build this for us [we were] quoted at $200k plus and we can do it for less than $100k,” he explained. “I was a business person and corporate consultant before doing this. I have an architectural background also, so the design part was easy enough for me,” he added. “I’m not bad on the tools and just worked the rest out as I went.

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SLEEPBUS.ORG MANTRA “Sleep changes everything. Sleep plays a vital role in good health and wellbeing, and getting enough quality sleep can help protect a person’s mental health, physical health, and safety. “For those sleeping rough, getting a good night’s sleep is near impossible and can contribute to long-term homelessness and more. “We believe that sleep changes everything. With a good night’s sleep, we think the pathway out of homelessness will be a little easier to find.”

“I have zero bus mechanical/engine/ running gear knowledge and rely on friendly bus company workshops for help with this, like Dom from Kastoria and Lynette from the Dineen Group – both here in Melbourne, Victoria,” he stated. “Kastoria and the Dineen Group have been the biggest supporters through this journey. They have always gone above and beyond to help me, despite my lack of knowledge. They have always taken my call. Very grateful,” Rowe said.

OCCUPANT RESPONSE How would Rowe describe the reaction from the people who use the bus? And were they regulars from certain areas, or did Sleepbus drive around to different places

and look for people who need help? “We found during the trial of our prototype sleepbus over two years that people are very grateful for a safe, warm place to sleep for the night,” he explained. “This approach hadn’t been done anywhere in the world before, so we had to test and see if: a) it worked; and b) people used and liked it. “Not only did we find that it worked and was well received, we also found positive side effects to the service: better physical and mental health of our guests,” Rowe stated. “Simply not having to sleep outside in the elements and worrying about your safety through the night ... it makes a huge difference,” he explained.

“We try to stick to set locations, so people know where to find us. So ‘regulars’, ‘one-time users’ and ‘semi-regular’ are normal. “We work with other charities to find out where we should be, and being a bus – not a building – we are able to go where we are needed.”

WHERE NEXT? According to Rowe, the sleepbus.org goal for this year is to launch four sleepbuses for the areas of Melbourne, Queanbeyan, NSW; Canberra, ACT; and Maroochydore, Queensland – and the Hino ‘sleepbus health’. “We hope with the momentum of these services and the publicity that is generated busnews.com.au February 2021 ABC

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OPERATOR

SLEEPBUS.ORG

BUS ORIGINS 1. Laundry Bus – Dineen Group 2. Original prototype sleepbus and now Canberra Pink sleepbus – Dineen Group 3. Melbourne Pink sleepbus – Kastoria 4. Queanbeyan sleepbus – private individual donor 5. sleepbus health – private purchase; previously Red Cross blood-donor vehicle (from the 1980s) 6. Workshop bus – ex-Winton Raceway, ex-Bendigo Transit bus 7. Maroochydore sleepbus – Buslink Queensland

we can raise the necessary funds to build more Sleepbuses for operation in Sydney, Byron Bay (NSW), Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD), Adelaide (SA), Perth (WA) and more in Melbourne,” Rowe stated. “What is needed for this to happen, as with all things, are the funds and suitable buses – all of which we are confident we can bring in. “The pandemic has certainly caused tremendous financial strain on people and families, the biggest cause of homelessness, so the need is [there] and will continue to increase for some time to come. “On the other hand, speaking for the Victorian government, every

Above: CEO Simon Rowe was inspired to start the venture to help somebody who needed a place to sleep. Below: Sleepbus was the winner of the 2017 Telstra Victorian Charity of the Year award.

rough sleeper here has been offered hotel accommodation. Obviously this can’t last, but it has been a fantastic initiative. “Covid permitting [Victoria was heading back into a snap lockdown as this was written] we will launch the Queanbeyan Service in March 2021; the pink sleepbus services for Canberra and Melbourne in June/ July and the Maroochydore and sleepbus health services towards the end of the year.

HURDLES AND HICCUPS The top three challenges – global pandemics aside – that Sleepbus faces are: raising funds to build buses, finding sponsors for the services, and finding suitable buses that are of roadworthy condition and not full of rust, Rowe explained. “I say biggest challenges because they are; however, to date we have managed this ok. We’ve had great support and, fingers

Simply not having to sleep outside in the elements and worrying about your safety through the night ... it makes a huge difference. crossed, this will only increase with momentum and increased awareness of the Sleepbus charity and the service it provides,” he added. “I think ‘sleepbus health’ will be a fantastic add-on initiative to Sleepbus for our guests and, going well, we will look to build additional sleepbus health vehicles for other states.” So does Rowe take pride in all he and the sleepbus team have achieved? “I’m not sure I’m at the proud state yet; there’s still a lot to do,” he answered. “I have pretty high standards and lofty goals.”

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DRIVEN

FUSO ROSA

STYLE MEETS SAFETY It’s what you can’t see that’s exciting in the new Rosa. WORDS + IMAGES PAUL ALDRIDGE

he Fuso Rosa might be a familiar face when you see it on the road; it’s been an enduring and popular model in the Australian light-duty bus market for more than 15 years. This new-model Rosa might look really familiar, but it has some pretty advanced features and changes behind the scenes that are pretty impressive. Some test drives and vehicles are all about the looks and luxuries and we certainly love to drive these vehicles. The Rosa, though, isn’t a vehicle built just to impress. The thought process behind the updates have been made with a huge focus on the importance of safety features and it would be hard not to agree when these buses are a very popular choice for schools and nursing homes. The new Rosa comes in three models: the Rosa Deluxe (22-seater), Rosa Deluxe (25-seater) and the Rosa Standard (25-seater). Today’s drive is in the Rosa Deluxe 25-seater and, yes, it is the topof-the-range vehicle, but what is important is that the key changes made to the model are across the board and come as standard in each model.

Fuso says that having the two options for seating capacity gives the Rosa a distinct class advantage, with the additional three passengers adding significant value for operators. As always, this class has a broad appeal from

tourism operations, rental vehicles and regional area school buses to shuttle bus operators.

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY Fitted as standard, each Rosa comes with height-adjustable

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LED headlamps, an electronic stability program, anti-skid disc brakes, driver air-bag, passenger airbag, reversing cameras, lane-departure warning system (LDWS) and what is arguably the most impressive standard feature across the range: the advanced

emergency braking system (AEBS). AEBS is a radar sensor system that detects and helps avoid possible collisions with both moving and stationary vehicles or objects, but it also reacts to pedestrian movement. If the system detects movement, the

driver is given both audible and visual warnings from the dashboard in tandem with physical braking. Obviously a potentially life-saving feature, it is perfect that it comes as standard across the board and not the usual optional extra. busnews.com.au February 2021 ABC

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DRIVEN

FUSO ROSA

Fuso explains that it added the technology as soon as it was available as it considers safety to be critical in its vehicle design. Another standard feature is the LDWS, which usually is an optional feature in high-end vehicles. It alerts the driver if you make any unintentional lane departures and this certainly is another feature that will help minimise crashes or the impact in case of any unavoidable accidents. When the camera detects you are driving out of your lane the driver receives an audible and visual alert on the dash so they can correct their driving. Nice. Yes, we may all be familiar with this technology, but the inclusion on even a standard build is a great selling point. “There is only one light-duty bus in Australia with advanced emergency braking, only one with lane-departure warning and only one with electronic stability - and that is the new Fuso Rosa,” Daniel Whitehead, CEO Daimler Truck and Bus Australia, said. “There are many other benefits introduced by the upgraded model, but nothing as important as the features that will help protect the ones we love.” Across all models as standard, 50

the 3.0-litre 4P10 engine meets the Euro 6 emissions standards, Fuso says this engine has the most power in its class at 129kW at 3,500rpm and with 430Nm of torque. Euro 6 standards are achieved by using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in combination with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The engine also features exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGR) with common-rail fuel injection. This engine is, in fact, smaller and lighter than in the previous model, but is also more powerful with more torque. Low cabin noise from the engine is one of the standout features of the bus. Driving along the M4 freeway at 100km/h, it was amazing how little noise comes from the engine. Considering the driver is actually seated on top of the motor, Fuso has done a great job with internal sound reduction. Fuso has also introduced a new advanced Duonic automated manual transmission that features six gears. The dual-clutch transmission is said to help with the improved fuel efficiency and give quicker and smoother gear

Low cabin noise from the engine is one of the standout features of the bus.

Above: All seats come with a three-point seatbelt. Right: The low floor and grab rails are well designed for less mobile passengers. Opposite, Top: Sound reduction from the engine is impressive in the driver’s cabin.

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changes. You can just put it into drive and let it do the rest, as it just knows what gear to be in and it works perfectly. We did put it into manual mode for a test, but much preferred the auto mode.

IT JUST WORKS WELL Visibility for the driver is good; there is a small pillar to the right, but because it’s dark grey it disappears and certainly doesn’t interfere with line of vision. The mirrors have always worked well on the Rosa for driver vision and this system hasn’t changed from the previous model – why change a system that works? On the left-hand side of the bus there is a three-mirror system, with a small front-mounted blind spot mirror to assist the driver with parking or for vision of pedestrians and smaller passengers disembarking.

There’s a larger mirror for side vision of the bus and there’s another higher-set blind spot mirror; the three-system mirrors give overall great driver vision, another good safety feature. The Rosa has a new headlight system that has a five-stage adjusting function that allows the driver to change the headlight position to better suit altering conditions. This might be a feature that you wouldn’t often use, but in difficult weather or bad road conditions, or with an unusually heavy load, the ability to adapt your headlights to suit the driver’s needs could come in handy. Another part of the Rosa that has really changed from the previous model is the dashboard area; it now has a very sleek, modern look and a European feel. Two standout features of

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DRIVEN

FUSO ROSA

The LED touchscreen sits in a great viewing position for the driver.

the new dashboard are the touchscreen display and the dash-mounted gear shifter. The LED touchscreen sits in a great viewing position for the driver, with the added advantage of being an extra pair of eyes at the rear of the bus with its rear-mounted camera when in reverse, or when driver activated. The aircon function controls are really easy to use and read, there’s a climate control display and the system is simple to navigate and read, even when driving. The round dash air vents are also very well placed for the driver. Overall, the aircon did a great job on the humid day we did our drive. 52

WELCOME CABIN UPDATES A driver cabin change we thought was a smart one was the re-positioning of some of the operational levers. The transmission shift lever was moved from the floor to being dash mounted. This has two advantages for the driver. One is that less movement is required to reach the lever and, two, being dash mounted means there’s more driver floor space, which is good for driver leg room and comfort. The other lever-mount change was the re-positioning of the hand brake. It has been moved from the footwell to the left of the driver seat, again improving driver accessibility. So, from a driver’s

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Specs MAKE/MODEL: Fuso Rosa SEATS: 22 or 25 ENGINE: 3.0-litre fourcylinder 4P10 Euro 6 POWER: 129kW@3,500rpm TORQUE: 430Nm@1,600– 2,860rpm TRANSMISSION: Sixspeed Duonic dual clutch automated manual transmission, with manual or automatic modes, or fivespeed manual WARRANTY: Five-year/ 200,000km SUSPENSION: Front independent double wishbone with coils, shock absorber and stabiliser and rear leaf with shock absorbers and stabilser STEERING: Rack and pinion; Wheel - Tilt and scope adjustable BRAKING: Disc brakes front and rear, exhaust brake DIMENSIONS: 22 seats – 6,990mm long, 2,070mm wide, 2,755mm tall and a 3,995mm wheelbase; 25 seats – 7,730mm long, 2,070mm wide, 2,755mm tall, with a 4,550mm wheelbase FUEL TANK: 100 litres comfort perspective, these are great improvements. For passenger accessibility there is a new flat floor design that will help with elderly or disabled passenger ease of movement. This also also allows for simpler aftermarket wheelchair lift installation. Another thing we personally noticed was that the grab handles are very easy to use when entering or exiting the bus; again good for elderly or disabled passengers. The new Rosa also has new improved LED passenger lamps in all models and new high-backed seats in the deluxe models. All models have three-point lap sash seatbelts and there have been improvements to some of the windows for greater passenger visibility.

GENEROUS WARRANTY A feature that has remained the same with the Rosa is the

generous five-year/200,000km warranty, but there has been an increase to the servicing intervals to 15,000km. Fuso claims this increase will help reduce running costs for operators and increase vehicle uptime, so there shouldn’t be any complaints about that. The takeaway key point of this bus was the focus Fuso has placed on vehicle safety features. There’s been a lot of changes and updates made to the new Rosa, but most of them are features you won’t realise immediately. This is impressive because for operators and drivers alike, passenger safety and any features that give us peace of mind is money well spent. When a base model comes with the same added safety features as the deluxe model you know a company is serious about safety and that certainly has to be applauded.

TYRES: 205/85R16 SERVICE INTERVALS: 15,000km

Top: Today’s drive was in the Rosa Deluxe 25-seater. Above: The mirror system includes a blind spot mirror for extra visibility. Opposite, Top + Below: The low-floor design and improvements to visibility out of the windows are great for passengers; A rear-mounted camera acts as an extra pair of eyes.

MISC.: SAFETY (all models) As standard, the Rosa features advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning system, electronic stability program, anti-skid disc brakes, a driver and front passenger airbag, height adjustable LED headlights, hill start assist and a reversing camera AEBS - A system designed to avoid or mitigate collision damage uses a radar sensor at the front of the bus and can detect potential collisions with moving and stationary vehicles, as well as moving pedestrians. When a collision is imminent, the driver receives an audible and visual warning from the dashboard shortly followed by automatic braking. The system is dynamic and its algorithm allows it to vary activation times to best mitigate collision damage in a number of situations.

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DELIVERIES

JANUARY 2021

Deliveries off to a solid start in 2021

Early bus-deliveries numbers starting to rise to resemble pre-Covid times, exclusive ABC data reveals.

he new year brings with it a renewed sense of hope as the bus and coach deliveries tally reaches its highest point in six months at 99. While still short of some of the highs of the past couple of years, which reached more than 150, it’s still the highest number since June of last year. In the chassis sector, Volvo returned to the top with 23 deliveries (10 more than in December), with Scania one behind on 22. These numbers are, however, still short of the 35-plus the Swedes reached in peak times. Elsewhere, a big month for Yutong provides 17 deliveries, with BCI (12) and MAN (11) also in double figures. The latter is a strong achievement for MAN as the last time it reached more than 10 in a month was February 2019. Volgren retains top spot in the body-building sector with a third consecutive month of 29 recorded deliveries. Yutong and BCI follow, with their tallies corresponding to their chassis numbers. Bustech Group’s three brands – Bustech (6), Precision Buses (3), and Elphinstone (2) – combine for 11.

A familiar story in the air-conditioning sector has Thermo King comfortably lead with 37 deliveries, while Cling-Yutong’s partnership is involved in 16 deliveries (one of its 17 units contained a Spheros air conditioner). Coachair also reached double figures, while this month also saw a relatively high number of undisclosed deliveries. Continuing the state trend in recent times, Victoria was the most prolific with 34 per cent of the deliveries. NSW followed on 27 per cent, with Queensland not too far behind on 21 per cent. Western Australia, which had been fairly busy in recent months, falls back to 12 per cent. Turn overleaf for delivery information for January. Please note all data is as supplied by manufacturers, at their discretion.

The bus and coach deliveries tally reaches its highest point in six months.

ABC February 2021 busnews.com.au

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16/02/2021 11:13:02 AM

Volgren 29 Yutong 17 BCI 12 Bustech Group 11 Irizar 6 Bonluck 4 Express Coaches 4 Scania Higer 4 Custom Bus 3

SALES BY BODY

Marcopolo 3 Gemilang 2 Coach Concepts 1 Coach Design 1 JBUS 1

Volgren retains top spot in the body-building sector with a quirky third consecutive month of 29 recorded deliveries. Yutong and BCI follow, with their tallies corresponding to their chassis numbers. Bustech Group’s three brands – Bustech (6), Precision Buses (3), and Elphinstone (2) – combine for 11.

P&D Coachworks 1

4% 2% SA

TAS

12%

34% VIC

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

A familiar story in the air-conditioning sector has Thermo King comfortably lead with 37 deliveries, while ClingYutong’s partnership is involved in 16 deliveries (one of its 17 units contained a Spheros air conditioner). Coachair also reached double figures, while this month also saw a relatively high number of undisclosed deliveries.

Thermo King Cling-Yutong N/A Coachair Hispacold

Percentage by

REGION 21% QLD

37 16 11 10 9

Denso Konvekta MCC Spheros

6 4 3 3

VOLVO 23

27%

SCANIA 22

NSW

YUTONG 17 BCI 12 MAN 11 MERCEDES-BENZ 6

Sales by chassis

BONLUCK 4

In the chassis sector, Volvo returned to the top with 23 deliveries (10 more than in December), with Scania one behind on 22. These numbers are, however, still short of the 35-plus the Swedes reached in peak times. Elsewhere, a big month for Yutong provides 17 deliveries, with BCI (12) and MAN (11) also in double figures. The latter is a strong achievement for MAN as, by ABC’s count, the last time it reached more than 10 in a month was in February, 2019.

BUSTECH 2 HINO 2

busnews.com.au February 2021 ABC

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16/02/2021 9:44:09 AM

JANUARY 2021

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION BCI

BONLUCK BUSTECH HINO MAN

MERCEDES-BENZ

SCANIA

VOLVO

YUTONG

Belgrave Heights Christian School Incitec Pivot Crown Coaches Kastoria Bus Lines Kastoria Bus Lines Westside Christian College Young's Bus Service Pursers Coaches Metro Tas N/A N/A Premier Motor Sevice Surfside Buslines Panorama Sunbus Cairns (Kinetic) Panorama N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Dept. of Public Transpt Infrastructure Dept. of Public Transpt Infrastructure G D& W L Lowe Ipswich Grammar School L C Dyson's Bus Services McHarry's Bus Lines Mt Gravatt Coach & Travel Sinclair Buses St Marys Secondary College Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines Ventura Bus Lines Wangaratta Coachlines Good News Lutheran College Ventura Transit Buslines Group Kennedys Bus and Coach Goodes Coaches Bangalow Transit Braidwood Buses Irizar Asia Pacific Irizar Asia Pacific Faith Lutheran College King Christian Education Youngs Bus Service Perth Transport Authorities Perth Transport Authorities N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

ABC February 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_402_064-65_Bus Deliveries Table FC.indd 64

VIC QLD VIC VIC VIC QLD QLD QLD TAS SA VIC NSW QLD VIC QLD VIC NSW NSW NSW QLD QLD QLD SA SA VIC QLD VIC VIC QLD NSW VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW QLD VIC QLD QLD QLD WA WA NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA

ENGINES

TRANSM

UNITS

DELIVERIES

CHASSIS (Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

1 2 5 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 4 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 4 2 1 1 1 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Classmaster Cruiser 10 Cruiser 9 Cruiser 9 Cruiser 9 Cooper Senator 14 Cooper XDI Poncho 921 RC2 19.320 LE E6 RR8 19.320 IC RC2 19.320 LE E5 RC2 19.320 LE E5 RC2 19.320 LE E5 OC500RF E5 1936 OC500LE E6 OC500LE E6 OC500LE E6 OC500LE E6 OC500LE E6 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 310 IB4X2 K 360 IB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 320 UB4X2 K 360 UA6X2/2 K 360 UA6X2/2 K 310 IB4X2 B8R B8R B8RLE B8R B8R B8R B8R B11R B8R B8R B8R B8RLE B8RLE B8RLEA D9 D12 D7 D9 D9 D9 D9 D12 D12 D7 D7 D7 D7 D7 D9 D12 T12

BCI BCI BCI BCI BCI Bonluck Bonluck Bonluck Elphinstone JBUS P&D Coachworks Volgren Volgren Volgren Volgren Volgren Custom Bus Gemilang Gemilang Volgren Volgren Volgren Precision Buses Precision Buses Coach Design Scania Higer Touring Irizar Express Coaches Scania Higer A30 Irizar Scania Higer Touring Volgren Volgren Volgren Volgren Coach Concepts Marcopolo Marcopolo Bustech Express Coaches Express Coaches Custom Bus Custom Bus Irizar Irizar Volgren Volgren Bustech Volgren Volgren Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

300 285 290 285 285 210 360 210 300 185 205 320 320 320 320 320 360 360 360 360 360 360 320 320 310 360 310 320 310 310 360 320 310 360 360 310 330 330 320 330 330 330 330 450 330 330 330 320 320 320 250 360 165 250 250 250 250 360 360 165 165 165 165 165 250 360 360

R R R R R R R R R R F R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R F R R R R R R F F F F F R R R

Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 6 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5 Euro 5

TOTAL DELIVERIES 99

16/02/2021 9:50:45 AM

A: Auto M: Ma AS: Aut O: Opti

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A O A O A O A A O A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

issions andard

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

uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 6 uro 6 uro 6 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5 uro 5

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A O A O A O A A O A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

TRANS MAKE Allison ZF ZF ZF ZF Allison Allison Allison ZF Aisin Aisin ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Scania ZF Scania ZF Scania Scania ZF Scania ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Volvo ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF ZF Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison Allison ZF

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

AXLES

TRANSMISSION

BODY LENGTH

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

12.3 10.4 9.6 9.60 9.6 8.5 14.5 8.5 10-12.9 8 7.99 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 11.7 12 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.5 12 12.3 12.3 13 12.5 18 18 12.5 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 10-12.9 9 12 8 9 9 9 9 12 12 8 8 8 8 8 9 12 12

MCC MCC Denso Thermo King Thermo King Spheros Thermo King Spheros Thermo King Denso Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Coachair Thermo King Coachair Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Coachair Coachair Coachair Hispacold Hispacold Thermo King Konvekta Hispacold Coachair Konvekta Hispacold Konvekta Thermo King Thermo King Coachair Coachair Thermo King N/A N/A N/A Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Thermo King Hispacold Hispacold N/A N/A N/A Thermo King Thermo King Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Cling-Yutong Spheros

57 – 43 39 43 35 – 33 52 18 34 – 57 45 35 45 – – – – – – 43 43 57 57 57 57 57 57 57 – – – – 57 57 57 – 57 57 43 43 – X X X – – – – 57 27 – – – – 57 57 27 27 27 27 27 – 57 –

– 45 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – X – – – – – – 39 – – 39 39 39 39 – – – – – – – 39 – 53

– – – – – – 71 – – – – 45 – – – – 57 44 44 45 45 45 – – – – – – – – – 44 44 70 70 – – – 52 – – – – – – – – X 41 X – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – x – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

– X X – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – X – – – – – – X – – X X X X – – X X X X X X X X

– – – – – – – – X X – X – X X X – X X X X X x x – – – x – – – x x x – – – – X – – – – – – – – X X X – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

(metres)

School

X – – X X X X X

– – X – X – – – X – – – – – – – x – x – – x – – – – x X X – X X X X – X X X – – – – X X – – – – X X – – – – – – – –

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

Sege Sege Sege Sege Sege Fansia Styleride Fansia Styleride Styleride Styleride McConnell STYLERIDE McConnell Vogel McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell Precision Bus Precision Bus Styleride Styleride McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell Styleride McConnell McConnell McConnell McConnell Styleride Marcopolo Marcopolo Styleride McConnell Styleride Styleride Styleride N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A McConnell McConnell Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong Yutong

Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y N Y N N N Y N N N N N N N Y N Y N N Y N N N N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N/A Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

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Australasian Bus & Coach 402 February 2021

Articles inside

driven | fuso rosa

obituary | michael apps

In focus | marcopolo audace 1050

coverstory | bci e-bus nsw

In focus | busword europe

editorial | ignition

operator | sleepbus.org

In focus | adelaide hybrid bus