Australasian Bus & Coach 409 September 2021 by Prime Group

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AUSTRALASIAN BUS & COACH

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contents ISSUE 409 SEPTEMBER 2021

08 in the know

6. editorial | ignition Bus industry consolidation, e-mobility take-up, lockdown limitations and people falling from Kabul evac planes. What a month! Editor Cotter ponders.

AUSSIE VOLVO-VOLGREN BUS PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATED

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.

In what is perhaps a fitting nod to a business partnership more than 40 years old, the first four Volvo BZL electric bus chassis soon debuting in Australia will wear locally-made Volgren bodies.

26. bic column

32. In focus | abb world ev day

PUTTING A PLAN IN ACTION The BIC welcomes intelligent and mature thinking from government.

In focus

28. In focus | irizar leadership change

BUS MANAGEMENT CHANGE AT IRIZAR AUSTRALIA

A leadership change at European coach-body distributor Irizar Australia sees ex-Iveco bus stalwart Steve Heanes now head up the Spanish manufacturer

here following Daniel Castro’s promotion to Irizar USA. 30. In focus | volvo-volgren partnership

than many think it does – that’s even if people know they have it. A Big Red Kidney Bus helps those patients now fully aware of their ‘silent killer’ to have some quality of life while they travel. A new Coachworks-modified BRKB adds to the charity’s vital medical national bus team. Fabian Cotter reports.

ABB MARKS WORLD EV DAY IN OZ Australia’s first ‘fully sustainably powered’ electric bus – using solar energy sourced from 250 depot solar panels and charged via advanced ABB grid-to-plug technology – highlighted the national celebration of World EV Day on September 9, 2021. 40. coverstory | big red kidney bus

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Kidney disease affects more Australians

ABC September 2021 busnews.com.au

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

PRODUCTION

Facebook – facebook.com/ABCBusnews YouTube – bit.ly/busandcoachtv Twitter – twitter.com/ABCmag

Art Director: Bea Barthelson

Production Co-Ordinator: Cat Fitzpatrick

PRINTING IVE Print

ADVERTISING Trader Group Sales Manager: James Rock

48. operator profile | blue bus

ph: 0419 139 941 e-mail: James.Rock@primecreative.com.au

TRUE BLUE AUSSIE

Blue Bus director and founder Geoff Jacob loves driving coaches and sharing his love for the Australian outback. He and his wife, Sandra Jacob, run a school bus and tour charter business in Queensland. Anjali Behl caught up with the couple to talk about what it is like running a bus and coach company in the present environment.

VIC Sales: Matt Alexander ph: 0413 599 669 e-mail: Matt.Alexander@primecreative.com.au

56. event | tasbus 2021

SUBSCRIPTIONS

QLD Sales: Hollie Tinker ph: 0466 466 945 e-mail: Hollie.Tinker@primecreative.com.au SA/WA Sales: Nick Lenthall ph: 0439 485 835 e-mail: Nick.Lenthall@primecreative.com.au

NSW Sales: Con Zarocostas ph: 04357 594 238 e-mail: Conzarocostas@primecreative.com.au

TASBUS CONFERENCE 2021

www.magshop.com.au

After last year’s TasBus Conference was unfortunately cancelled, it was great to see Tassie’s bus community come together once again in style for the 2021 event, held Friday and Saturday 28-29 May, at the stunning Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart. Cat Fitzpatrick writes.

departments

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

56 70. factory facts | bus deliveries

62. bus marketplace | classifieds

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EXECUTIVE GROUP CEO: John Murphy Publisher: Christine Clancy COO: Zelda Tupicoff Operations Manager: Regina Fellner Trader Group Sales Director: Brad Buchanan

ABC is published by Prime Creative Media 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Telephone: (+61) 03 9690 8766 Website: www.primecreative.com.au

ISSN 1324-8634 Member: Circulations Audit Board

Circulation 3,312

CIRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

(CAB Audit, March 2021)

Largest circulating bus and coach magazine in Australasia CIRCULATIONS DISTRIBUTION AUDIT BOARD

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. Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) magazine is owned by Prime Creative Media. All material in ABC is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. Opinions expressed in ABC are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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IGNITION

FABIAN COTTER

More Dog Walking... It might not be directly visible at times, but there’s still lots of vested interest and dividends in buses and ‘moving people’.

orm nailed it! He was right all along. Norm who, you may ask? A flashback: depending on your age and where you grew up, if you were around in ’70s Australia and watched enough TV, you’d know Norm. The ‘Life. Be in it’ health campaign was

a curiously addictive series of cartoon commercials broadcast to a catchy, ‘boppy’ tune that aimed to encourage as many Aussies as it could to get involved in sports – which, in turn, meant life. To what extent it was successful? Only those who may have improved or extended their lives by being healthier because of it will truly know – that is if they even credit it or remember it. Star of the show was a beer-bellied ‘average Aussie male’ called Norm, who contagiously inspired his family and greater community, in theory, to get off their backsides and be more active, reaping far greater health and happiness benefits. I sit here now with my own lockdowninduced belly thinking it’s going to take more than short nightly walks of the dog and a few impromptu starjumps at the fridge to ‘get this ship back into shape’. Looking back, those advertisements were government-sponsored, I’m sure – but as the years endured (and I’m still around … just) I couldn’t help wonder why such great health messaging wasn’t continued in some similar form (kids love cartoons and good health should start early, right?) throughout the decades here in Australia? Whether it’s what we eat and drink, or what medicines we need – or don’t – surely the value of our immune system upkeep, for the masses, has been underplayed? And I’d imagine we really need good ones now more so than ever…

STATIC ENTERTAINMENT On that note, what a month lockdown’s been with all sorts of stuff on the telly – not much else to do. From people dangling and falling from military planes to hours of virus case graphs and figures each day, to travel cooking shows on repeat. Actually, cooking shows aren’t too bad even the third time around. Mmmm… But I guess that’s why reading bus stories is such great escapism (Like that one? ;) ). 6

It’s been a bumper month with all things bus – and even I was intrigued by the local and global investment into key bus ‘brands’ recently. A good thing? A bad thing? Opinions will be split depending on how, and if, people and parties are affected by it, but even sitting on the ‘bus fence’, it does indicate that bus and public transport is of massive interest to someone. And that means growth. Exciting times, indeed.

WITHIN THESE PAGES In ABC magazine issue 409 you’ll find enough bus fodder this month to get the little hairs on the back of your neck tingling and twerking. On the cover this time is a bus that’s intended for a very noble cause: kidney dialysis treatment for patients while they are away from a hospital situation. And that means they get to travel somewhere for some quality of life because the bus comes to them. Run by charity Kidney Health Australia (KHA), this particular customrefurbished 2001-model Volvo B12R with NCBC body is to replace an ageing bus doing vital dialysis work in NSW as part of the Big Red Kidney Bus (BRKB) team. Bus industry notable Coachworks in Queensland – now part of the huge Royan’s heavy-vehicle collision repair group – did all the amazing custom work on the bus to turn it basically into a mini hospital on wheels, which, by all accounts, was no easy task and not without its pandemic-affected logistical challenges. Check the full story out on pages 40–46.

COACH TOURISM HELP We had a good chat with Redland Bay, Queensland-based Blue Bus Tours, which, like so many companies of its type, has had to ‘think on the hop’ and adjust to these evil pandemic times just to stay afloat. The Jacob family, who own and run Blue Bus, is perfectly adept at knowing exactly what their travel customers want and are doing a great job – all current situational things considered – to keep their business running. But, like many, they could do with government help. Not so much specifically for just them, but for the industry as a whole. Travel vouchers, anyone? You can check that full story out on

pages 48–54, so grab a cuppa and get stuck in for a good read.

NEWS AND VIEWS Also inside is a great news round-up and what a bumper month it’s been! Aussie Sealink/Transit Systems joined the ASX 200; CDC Australia is expected to float on the ASX by year’s end; global investment firm KKR has effectively bought out iconic Kiwi bus operator Ritchies; and Auckland Transit is picking up some ADL-BYD ‘XL’ sized e-buses. Speaking of e-buses, on the local front, Bustech’s supplying 16 of them – locally made on the Gold Coast – for Queensland’s first ever ‘fully electric’ depot, while Custom Denning in Sydney is supplying the NSW STA with 10 buses for use at its Waverly depot – which converted its CNG capability for e-bus use. The latter story just missed our print magazine deadline and will be in the next one – but this, and much more, is always available on our website www. busnews.com.au, of course. Gatherings? We got there, finally. TasBus 2021 was a great time by all accounts even though – taking place under the shadow of interstate outbreaks – the ability for people to attend was impacted. But, while down on the numbers, it was infinitely up more in spirit, which is pretty hard to top if you’ve ever been to an epic TasBus event. Well done, all! You can check that one out on pages 56–59. Deliveries? Same ballpark as last time, unfortunately, but given all that’s going on right now, that may not be too bad. We were missing a manufacturer’s data this time, so maybe it delivered 400 buses and didn’t want to tell anyone, who knows? But hoping to have it back in soon. And that was pretty much September... Which brings me to that thoroughly uplifting, feet-tapping, finger clicking ‘lockdown anthem before lockdowns were a thing’ tune that goes: “I don’t need sunny skies for things I have to do.’Cause I stay home the whole day long and think of you. As far as I’m concerned each day’s a rainy day. So it might as well rain until September...” Carole King, 1962 – who knew? : ) Until the next thrilling instalment...

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NEWS

BUSTECH-MADE E-BUSES FOR QLD’S 1ST FULLY ELECTRIC DEPOT QUEENSLAND’S electric bus roll-out has been “supercharged” following the government commissioning 16 Bustech e-buses – to be made on the Gold Coast – for the state’s first fully electric depot, it was announced recently. In a move touted as a jobs boost “from Burleigh to North Lakes”, the $15.6 million state government deal with operator Keolis Downer will also create Queensland’s first fully electric bus depot in North Lakes, at the home of Hornibrook Bus Lines, it’s been confirmed. The first of the new buses – vehicles that will use 100 per cent renewable energy and be zero emission, the government states – is due to arrive at the North Lakes depot in September 2022, ahead of all 16 being ready for service by late 2023. Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says the deal would play an important part in Queensland’s Covid-19 economic recovery plan. “This deal will see the largest rollout of electric buses in Queensland to date,” Minister Bailey said. “These buses will be built right here in Queensland, at Bustech on the Gold Coast. “By 2025, every new urban bus we add to the fleet in SEQ will be zero-emissions. By 2030 we’ll roll that out to the rest of the urban fleet and, of course, we want them to be built here in Queensland. “This agreement gives us a good head start because the first bus is 8

due to arrive at Hornibrook’s North Lakes depot by the end of next year,” he explained.

LOCAL WIN Deputy premier and member for Murrumba Steven Miles says the agreement was a win for local commuters. “Hornibrook Bus Lines runs bus services through our northern suburbs, so I can’t wait to see these quieter and cleaner vehicles on our roads,” the deputy premier stated. “This isn’t just a good deal for commuters and our environment; it’s a boost to our state’s manufacturing sector, too. “The investment to make the North Lakes depot fully electric and build these buses on the Gold Coast is expected to support 150 jobs over the next two years. “It’s also expected to bring more than $17 million of estimated value into the economy for local suppliers, contractors, which is the kind of investment we need right now.” Assistant minister for hydrogen development and the 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 target Lance McCallum says the electric bus rollout was a key part of the Palaszczuk government’s renewable energy commitments. “By 2030, 50 per cent of our state’s energy will be from renewable sources and this deal with Keolis Downer will play its role in helping Queensland meet that target,” minister McCallum said. “While this depot and locally

Below: “This isn’t just a good deal for commuters and our environment; it’s a boost to our state’s manufacturing sector, too,” said deputy premier and member for Murrumba, Steven Miles.

built buses will be electric, we are also keen to encourage the use of renewable hydrogen in transport. “Our investment in renewable hydrogen production as a cleaner, cheaper fuel gives us potential to create jobs, reduce transport emissions and export Queensland’s renewables to the world.” Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting congratulated Keolis Downer, which owns Hornibrook Bus Lines, on the zero-emissions initiative. “Reducing emissions in our transport sector is a major challenge and we can only be successful through partnerships between government and industry like this one,” Whiting said. “Once completed, Hornibrook’s North Lakes depot will no longer house diesel buses and will be home to the 16 new electric buses exclusively. “A full electric depot means reduced noise and no diesel emissions for our community. “That will save 13,846 tonnes of carbon emissions over the life of the buses.”

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Member for Kurwongbah Shane King says he welcomes electric vehicles moving people around his electorate. “Hornibrook Bus Lines delivers key services to Petrie Station and the surrounding areas and I can’t wait to see them go electric,” Kind said. “When passengers jump on these buses for the first time next year, they’ll be helping to improve the environment, while getting a cleaner, smoother ride. “This rollout will also create more jobs for the area, and support local suppliers and contractors, driving our economic recovery from Covid-19.”

BATTERY DENSITY Keolis Downer CEO David Franks says it was a significant moment for the business in Queensland. “We are proud to be partnering with the Queensland government to transition our North Lakes depot to 100 per cent battery electric buses,” Franks said. “This means the depot will be using 100 per cent renewable energy, to power a fleet of electric buses, making it a first in Australia and cementing Keolis Downer’s commitment to accelerate the energy transition with large-scale deployments in public transport. “With this project, we are also encouraging local manufacturing through our partnership with Bustech Group, Australia’s leading bus manufacturer, based in Burleigh Heads. “Bustech Queensland will manufacture the 16 Australian-designed and engineered electric buses in their facility in the Gold Coast, bringing more than $17 million of estimated value into the economy for local suppliers, contractors and local job creation.” Bustech Group executive chairman Christian Reynolds says the company was excited to be involved in the project. “Bustech Group is delighted to partner with Keolis Downer to deliver Australian-designed, engineered and manufactured zero-emission buses with the most energy-dense battery solution,” Reynolds said. “Manufactured in Queensland, Bustech’s all-electric ZDi is built with the highest local content of any electric bus available on the Australian market. “These 16 new electric buses will provide Queensland with cleaner, quieter transport whilst also supporting employment opportunities, the local supply chain, the renewables industry and generating lasting economic benefits,” Reynolds explained.

AUST-MADE BUSES ‘LOCAL MANUFACTURING LESSON’ FOR STUDENTS ASIDE FROM the recently announced batch of 20 Bustech-made buses offering local South Australian students a ‘greener ride’ to and from school, they demonstrate ‘local vehicle manufacturing’ is possible, according to the Adelaide-based company. The production of these 20 buses at Bustech Group’s Adelaide facility – touted as “locally built with the highest Australian content” – is a “testament to the advanced technical, engineering and manufacturing expertise within South Australia”, the company states. “It’s vital that we demonstrate to our school children that we can manufacture vehicles in Australia, and we don’t need to be net importers of technology – making as many school buses as we can in Australia is a great way to do that,” said Christian Reynolds, Bustech Group executive chairman.

Above: The Bustech Group is passionate about sourcing and harnessing local manufacturing and engineering capabilities to design and build its products, it explains.

schools from next year,” said Minister Wingard. “As an added bonus, our adoption of the Scania hybrid for the Adelaide Metro fleet is also creating jobs for South Australians as it has led to an increase in the number of employees at Bustech dedicated to bus body building.”

JOINT OBJECTIVE ROLL-OUT BEGINS The delivery of the 20 new school buses, including 17 hybrid-electric, is ultimately to meet increased demands on South Australian school bus routes, says Bustech. Scania supplied the hybrid chassis for the Bustech-made bus bodies, combined at its facility in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide. The completed units will support the South Australian government’s commitment to providing school students with a safe, effective and reliable bus service, it explains. The milestone was celebrated recently at Unley High School with state minister for transport and infrastructure Corey Wingard congratulating Bustech and Scania for delivering the first tranche of locally built school buses for South Australian students. “We want to provide the next generation of school students with a cleaner and greener public transport experience, especially as Year 7 transitions into public high

The partnership with Bustech and Scania to build the additional hybrid models for use on school routes is part of a shared goal to deliver commercially sustainable transport solutions for customers across Australia, the organisations explain. “Bustech Group continues to work closely with state governments and operators to transition diesel fleets to lower-emission solutions and ultimately zero-emission solutions, which will significantly benefit the local environment and public health,” Reynolds said. “These new hybrid-battery buses built in Adelaide for Adelaide are an important step in achieving cleaner and more sustainable public transport options for South Australians,” he added. The first three of the new hybrid buses have already rolled off the production line with the remainder, including three articulated buses (non-hybrid Euro 6, 360hp [268kW] diesel powered), to be delivered by the end of 2021, Bustech confirms.

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NEWS

“It will also allow them to understand operational requirements and costs to inform future procurement decisions, while supporting the accelerated transition to zero-emission buses in Auckland. “We are pleased to team up with Mercury and our initial operator, Ritchies, in joining the electric revolution,” he said.

MORE CHOICE

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT RECEIVES FIRST ADL ‘XL’SIZED E-BUS TAILORED to meet New Zealand’s reduced Road User Charges thanks to lower axle loads, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has delivered Auckland Transport’s first three-axle BYD-chassis Enviro200EV XLB, recently. The NFI Group Inc. owned ADL says its BYD-based Enviro200EV XLB is “a further evolution of the successful combination of ADL’s expertise in tailoring buses to transport authorities and operators’ requirements with BYD’s battery technology”. The zero-emission three-axle 12.6m-long vehicle joins the Auckland Transport fleet with a total passenger capacity of 78. The bus will be evaluated on different services in New Zealand’s largest city via trials supported by energy supplier Mercury, ADL confirms. Up to 36 passengers can be seated while two wheelchair spaces provided are accessed via a manual ramp at the front door, the company explains. Additionally, the bus will be fully supported by ADL’s local aftermarket team providing “highly skilled labour and genuine parts to ensure optimum vehicle performance”, it states. 10

RUNS ON THE BOARD ADL’s electric buses in New Zealand have already completed more than one million zero-emission kilometres in service, it announced recently. Like its two-axle siblings, the Enviro200EV XLB will be built locally by ADL’s partner Kiwi Bus Builders on a BYD electric chassis, supporting New Zealand’s transition to a decarbonised bus fleet by 2035, the company explains. ADL general manager in New Zealand Tony Moore said: “The launch of our extra-large electric bus marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Auckland Transport. “After bringing the first electric buses to the city in 2018, we now have a zero-emission bus that is fully designed to New Zealand requirements – and is made locally, boosting the economy and supporting skilled jobs.” Auckland Transport metro decarbonisation manager Darek Koper says the introduction of this new three-axle electric bus completes the procurement of the zero-emissions trial bus fleet: “This trial fleet provides a range of options for New Zealand bus operators and it will build operator confidence in new technology.

Above: ADL has delivered Auckland Transport’s first three-axle BYD-chassis Enviro200EV XLB. Below: (L-R): Tony Moore, general manager New Zealand, Alexander Dennis; Steve Zahorodny, bus fleet transition specialist, AT; and Darek Koper, metro decarbonisation manager, AT..

Mercury’s energy futures manager Buddhika Rajapakse says it was exciting to see cleaner, renewable energy powering Auckland Transport’s fleet. “This is a great way to help Aucklanders to kiss oil goodbye. Auckland Transport’s bus fleet accounts for 93,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per annum – the largest operational carbon footprint in Auckland’s public transport network. “By running on 80 per cent renewable electricity, electric buses will provide Aucklanders with more choice in low emissions transport. “If New Zealand is to take timely action to decarbonise its transport system, we cannot rely on the electrification of private vehicles alone. We must also shift our mindset towards reducing or avoiding travel, active modes such as walking and cycling – and, of course, public transport. “This is a wonderful next step Auckland Transport is taking to decarbonise our public transport system, and we’re excited to see how the team continue to further their ambitions of a cleaner transport future,” he explained.

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NZ BUS ICON RITCHIES TO BE SOLD TO INVESTMENT FIRM KKR ICONIC New Zealand bus and coach operator Ritchies Transport Limited (‘Ritchies’) has, pending final approvals, been sold to global investment firm KKR. The purchase “marks the next chapter of [the] company’s rich history”, with the 86-year-old Kiwi bus company and KKR signing definitive agreements to facilitate the acquisition, marking KKR’s first infrastructure investment in New Zealand, it confirms. Founded in Temuka in 1935, Ritchies is one of the largest transport providers in New Zealand, with a fleet of more than 1,600 vehicles and a network of 42 strategically located depots across the country, it explains. The company provides the government, local councils and private customers with reliable and accessible public transport solutions

in some of New Zealand’s largest cities, Ritchies states. Upon completion of the transaction, the Ritchie family will continue to hold a stake in Ritchies, the statement confirms. In that regard, Andrew Ritchie will be appointed as CEO of the company as Glenn Ritchie retires from Ritchies. Glenn Ritchie, current managing director of Ritchies Transport, said: “This deal is a real milestone for our business. After 86 years, we are confident that the company will continue to demonstrate the family values that have been a strong part of our identity and culture, as we’ve built Ritchies into one of New Zealand’s largest and most successful transport operators.” Ritchies director of operations Andrew Ritchie said: “Joining the

KKR family is the start of an exciting new chapter for the company. “Glenn has been an integral part of the business for most of his life, and been instrumental in helping the company achieve its growth and success as a nationwide transport operator. “He has left an indelible mark on the company and its staff and will be missed.”

Above: Upon completion of the transaction to investment firm KKR, the Ritchie family will continue to hold a stake in Ritchies, an official statement confirms.

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NEWS

operations in Australia through the acquisition of the businesses of New South Wales bus operator Bosnjak Holdings. Since then, the Group has grown significantly – both organically and inorganically – and now operates in six states and territories in Australia: NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, Canberra, Northern Territory and Queensland – with a total fleet exceeding 4,400 vehicles including buses, coaches and ambulances, it states.

MORE DETAILS

COMFORTDELGRO SEEKS CDC AUSTRALIA ASX FLOAT BY YEAR’S END SINGAPOREAN parent company ComfortDelgro is seeking an initial public offering (IPO) on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) for its local CDC Australia subsidiary by end of 2021, the company announced recently. ComfortDelGro Corporation’s move will unlock the value of the Group’s significant land transport business assets – the wholly owned subsidiary ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia Pty Ltd (CDC) – and comes after a successful two-week non-deal roadshow in June, which sought to introduce CDC to investors. CDC chairman Lim Jit Poh, said: “CDC is 16-years-old and has been a significant contributor to the Australian public transport scene. It has worked hand in hand with the authorities in the various states and territories it operates in to deliver reliable, safe and sustainable bus and coach services. “We believe the time is now right to share this Australian growth story with Australian investors.”

fastest growing public transport markets, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin, has appointed Credit Suisse Australia and UBS Australia as Joint Lead Managers for the IPO, which is planned for the last quarter of 2021, it confirms. The IPO, including its structure and terms of offering, are subject to prevailing market conditions and relevant approvals, it adds. The proposed IPO comes 16 years after ComfortDelGro first began

With a total investment of S$1.17 billion to-date, Australia is now the Group’s single-largest overseas investment destination, CDC confirms. For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Australian businesses generated revenue of S$608 million (A$615 million), it adds. ComfortDelGro – which operates in seven countries and has a global fleet of about 40,000 buses, taxis and rental vehicles – is listed on the Singapore Exchange. Two other companies in the ComfortDelGro stable – SBS Transit Ltd and VICOM Ltd – are also listed on the Singapore bourse, it states. The Group will release more details on the proposed listing as, and when, there are material developments, it advises.

Above: The proposed IPO comes 16 years after ComfortDelGro first began operations in Australia through the acquisition of the businesses of New South Wales bus operator Bosnjak Holdings.

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH CDC, which operates in Australia’s 12

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NEWS

Left: Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt has a clear growth strategy to build upon the Transit Systems acquisition, delivering shareholder value through organic growth opportunities and contracted revenue certainty, the company states.

AUSSIE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ENTITY JOINS ASX 200 BUS OPERATOR and public transport entity Sealink Travel Group – owner of Transit Systems and Torrens Transit et al – has now arrived at the coveted ASX 200 (Australian Securities Exchange), it confirms. In securing a place in the S&P Dow Jones/ASX 200 index, the achievement hallmarks the organisation’s growth from humble beginnings in South Australian, growing from 1,655 employees in 2019 to approximately 9,000 today. With revenue approaching $1.2 billion per annum; a market capitalisation of approximately $2 billion; and operations in Australia, the UK and Singapore; Sealink is

uniquely positioned as Australia’s largest, multi-modal international transport and travel company, it states. The catalyst for this significant growth has been principally derived from the $635 million acquisition of the Transit Systems Group of companies in January, 2020, which was followed by a raft of additional contract awards and renewals, securing new future revenue in excess of $4 billion, Sealink explains. Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt has a clear growth strategy to build upon the Transit Systems acquisition, delivering shareholder value through organic growth

opportunities and contracted revenue certainty, the company states. “The Transit Systems acquisition has enabled us to re-position the business to be underpinned by approximately 90 per cent contracted and non-discretionary essential transport services,” Feuerherdt said. Additionally, despite managing the effects of the pandemic, Sealink has achieved some significant milestones, it explains. “Our Singapore operations are doubling in size through securing the PT217 contracts, which will operate both the Bulim and Sembawang-Yishun bus packages – delivering contract revenue of approximately S$1 billion over five years,” Feuerherdt stated. “The acquisition of Go West Tours in July, 2021, provides a new platform for growth in the mining and resources transport sector. “From serving honeymooners in our resorts on Fraser Island to transporting essential workers to their workplace in the midst of lockdowns, our customer focus is unwavering.”

SEALINK SETS MID-2022 AUSSIE ZERO-EMISSIONS BUS TARGET TRANSIT SYSTEMS’ parent company Sealink Travel Group is aiming to be operating at least 55 zero-emission buses in its Australian fleet by the end of financial year ’22, announced off the back of a recent annual share-price doubling result. Citing ‘safe and essential services’ as having steered Sealink’s strong performance, the pandemic has taken its toll on most businesses around the globe, but Sealink’s core operations are principally contracted or non-discretionary essential transport services, leading to a very “resilient” financial result, it explains. The market has recognised the new journey that Sealink is on and the doubling of the share price in the past 12 months reflects the quality 14

of the underlying earnings, it adds. According to Sealink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt operating safely has been critical to the success of the business. “We have deployed some of the industry’s most advanced software to ensure the safety of our team, our customers and the communities we service, providing real-time updates, communicating hotspots, identifying blackspots and we continue working with our suppliers to further enhance our safety performance.” Sealink earlier this year announced the acquisition of Go West Tours for an enterprise value of $84.7 million, plus an earn-out component of up to $25 million, which successfully completed on July 1, 2021, marking the company’s

expansion into the resource transportation sector. “We also welcomed two new vessels to the marine business, Parrabah, which was built in Tasmania and now services Bruny Island and Coolgaree Cat - a A$7.3 million vessel that services Palm Island locals and visitors.”

Above: “By the end of financial year 22, Sealink expects to be operating at least 55 zeroemission buses in its Australian fleet,” said Sealink Travel Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt.

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NEWS

QLD HERITAGE BUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT ANNOUNCED BUS FANS far and wide will be making the trek – hopefully and if permitted – to Rocklea, Queensland, this October to help celebrate a very special 25th anniversary at the Heritage Bus Expo, organisers have announced. Members and supporters will be pleased to learn preparations for the organisation’s commemorative retro-bus expo are coming together well, with the event to be held at

Bus Stop Sales, 1543 Ipswich Road, Rocklea on Saturday, October 16, 2021 between 9.30am and 2.30pm, it’s confirmed. According to event organisers, it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society Inc organisation, which held its inaugural meeting on July 14, 1996, at Brisbane Council’s Garden City bus depot. “We expect to have the largest

Above: “We look forward to seeing you all there on Saturday October 16th,” club president Nick Wilson stated, regarding the upcoming commemorative QOCS event.

display of heritage buses ever assembled in Queensland, and it will be a rare opportunity to inspect and ride upon various makes and models,” said QOCS club president, Nick Wilson. “At this time, we have over 20 vehicles booked in. “The event is open to all members of the public and we have confirmed the attendance of Mark Bailey MP, [Queensland] Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and [Brisbane] Councillor Ryan Murphy, chair of Council’s Public and Active Transport Committee,” he explained.

WHICH BUSES? Thankfully with ‘busies’ being affable people largely, the event is far from being some uber-restrictive elitist shindig, with organisers welcoming those who own a heritage bus and would like to bring it along for the day. To do so please advise club secretary Nigel Collins on secretary@ qocs.org.au (or telephone 0413 379 552) before Saturday, October 9, as vehicle bookings are essential. “We look forward to seeing you all there on Saturday, October 16,” Wilson stated.

AUSSIE BUSES DELIVER ‘SCHOOL BOOKS’ DURING LOCKDOWN NSW BUS OPERATOR Busways is ensuring school students on the North Coast keep their studies up while in lockdown by delivering – for free – ‘learning from home’ materials from local schools, the company confirms. The clever initiative – in cooperation with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), the NSW Department of Education, and Catholic and Independent Schools – means Busways buses are being used to offer a different kind of service during the statewide Covid-enforced lockdown, which especially helps those students in remote and isolated locations. Busways assistant service delivery manager Mark Lawrence said: “We thank the principal of Wauchope High School for bringing us this 16

idea. We want to do our bit to help the community, and this is a service that we are well-equipped to deliver – just transporting lessons instead of students! “We are so pleased to work with the Department of Education and local schools to come up with this solution, where parents and students only need to meet the bus at their regular stop, as they would do for the afternoon school bus,” Lawrence continued. Rollands Plains Upper Public School relieving principal Katie Smith said: “We have had a number of families who have opted for paper-based home learning during lockdown. This initiative has allowed the regular and efficient delivery of these learning packs to families while

Above: Designed to help thousands of school students with their study needs during lockdown restrictions, the initiative has been applauded by schools, parents, and Transport for NSW, Busways explains.

minimising movement around our community.” Several schools between Laurieton and Yamba will be participating in the initiative, it confirms. For more info, contact Busways via infoline@busways.com.au.

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NEW BIC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WELCOMED FOLLOWING a recent announcement from Australia’s Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) naming Roz Chivers as its new executive director, the NHVR has welcomed the appointment. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says Chivers’ knowledge of national policy and her track record in collaboration between industry and government would be welcomed in the heavy vehicle industry. “Buses make up a significant section of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet and I look forward to working with Roz and chair Wayne Patch to continue to support the vital role they play in both safety and productivity on our roads,” Petroccitto said. “Both private and government sector bus companies are also supported by extensive supply chains, and BIC has been an important advocate on behalf of the sector since the Heavy Vehicle National Law was introduced almost a decade ago.” Speaking to ABC magazine recently, new BIC executive director Roz Chivers said: “I

E-T-A_PowerRelays_Aug2021op.indd 1

am delighted to be changing gears from local government issues to looking at the ‘moving people’ issues that affect the bus and coach industry.” “I am looking forward to the task of getting to know the bus industry.” As BIC highlights, Chivers brings a strong knowledge-base to the BIC with, “... vast experience in policy and advocacy.” “Roz has previously worked for the Australian Local Government Association, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (NSW), and the ACT Government on a range of major projects in policy and program development and implementation,” it states. “Roz comes to the BIC with an enthusiasm for public transport. She has always been an advocate for PT and was a project lead on various initiatives such as the development of the Belconnen-to-City Busway project and a range of behaviour-change projects to encourage people to use public or sustainable transport as part of their daily commute.”

BULLET POINTS As stated in the latest BIC bulletin newsletter, Chivers was most recently employed as the deputy chief executive and executive director – policy and advocacy at the Australian Local Government Association based in Canberra. She also has an extensive background in both the public and private sectors in NSW and the ACT in areas closely aligned to the BIC agenda.

11/08/2021 19:13:36

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NEWS

E-BUS TRANSITION STRATEGY FEEDBACK WELCOMED Transport for NSW (TfNSW) invited feedback on its ebus strategy recently as it continues its objective to transition the state’s fleet of more than 8,000 diesel and gas buses to zero emission technology to meet transport minister Andrew Constance’s “challenge of 2030”. TfNSW deputy secretary – customer, strategy and technology, Joost de Kock, says the strategy and the feedback received will help form a roadmap, and business case, for transitioning fleets across NSW in order to deliver cleaner, quieter and greener journeys for customers. “The transport sector represents one of the largest and fastest growing

sources of greenhouse gas emissions,” de Kock stated. “It accounts for around 20 per cent of NSW’s carbon dioxide emissions with the majority of emissions from light passenger and heavy freight vehicles. “When it comes to the Transport for NSW fleet, diesel and gas buses are responsible for almost half of our direct emissions. “Moving to zero-emission technology is a huge undertaking, but one that is crucial. “We want to work with bus operators, manufacturers and energy providers to gain momentum quickly and to efficiently and sustainably make this goal a reality.” TfNSW deputy secretary – regional and

outer metropolitan, Carol-Anne Nelson, says the strategy would seek to address the individual needs of different regions. “This is not a one-size-fits-all approach as every local area has their own distinct requirements, especially when you’re comparing the city to the regions,” Nelson explained. “It is important that our transition plans allow for financially sustainable solutions, ensuring the right infrastructure is in the right place and we continue to deliver quality services to customers,” she added. TfNSW deputy secretary – Greater Sydney, Megan Bourke-O’Neill, says the transition also presented an opportunity for the manufacturing industry. “We’ve already started to work with operators on the transition with 33 zero-emissions buses already on the road in Greater Sydney,” stated Bourke-O’Neill. “At present only standard two-door single-level electric buses are available in Australia. Some areas are going to want the capacity of double-deck buses or long-distance coaches, while some will only require mini-buses, so we’re keen to hear from the industry about how, and when, this range will be available for operators to choose from,” she said. Transport for NSW’s draft strategy can be viewed online at: www.transport.nsw.gov. au/zeroemissionbuses.

BUS INSIGHTS APLENTY VIA UITP ONLINE ‘THINK-TANK’ WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT an all-encompassing key discussion area in a Covid-blighted world, UITPANZ’s online forum that started on Tuesday, 28 September 28 – will uniquely gather 30 top international, regional and domestic experts to discuss industry evolution going forward. Presented by the International Association of Public Transport (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) Australia/New Zealand (UITPANZ) – in partnership with the Victorian Department of Transport and international engineering, design and advisory company Aurecon – the Transforming Public Transport Forum will dive deeply into how authorities and operators can adjust to changing mobility behaviour and enable new travel 18

patterns to ensure public transport remains, “…the backbone of how people move around our cities and regions,” UITPANZ explains. These experts will canvass a range of perspectives and share leading innovations and case studies of new mobility solutions being implemented around the world, the organisation confirms.

BOLD VISION The Forum will be delivered online over four weeks from September 28 to October 21, 2021, with five two-hour sessions, the organisation states. UITPANZ executive director Michelle Batsas says this is a unique opportunity for public and private organisations to build a bold vision for the future

of public transport in Australia and New Zealand. “UITPANZ has drawn on our global public transport network to harness the lessons learnt so we can keep that momentum going to improve public transport services.” Full details about the forum and registrations are at: uitpanz.eventsair. com/tpt-forum/registration.

Above: UITPANZ executive director Michelle Batsas says this is a unique opportunity for public and private organisations to build a bold vision for the future of public transport in Australia and New Zealand.

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NEWS

NEW BUS SERVICES FOR MELBOURNE THE VICTORIAN state government says travelling by bus will be more convenient, faster and less crowded given its overhaul of some of Melbourne’s most popular bus routes and two extra services, it announced recently. Firstly, a new bus route 816 from Keysborough South to Noble Park Station will be introduced from 28 November to provide additional public transport to the growing area south of Keysborough, connecting residents to local shops and schools, it explains. The service will run seven days per week – every 30 minutes during the weekday peak and every 60 minutes off peak. On weekends, services will run every 60 minutes, it adds. Secondly, travelling to and from work and education in Parkville will be quicker thanks to a new limited-stop bus connecting Victoria Park Station to the University of Melbourne, the government states. Starting September 20, the new Route 202 bus service will run every 10 minutes between Yarra Bend to the university and Parkville’s medical and research precinct, allowing people to board from Victoria Park Station, it explains. The high-frequency shuttle bus will also pick up passengers from stops connecting with the 11, 86 and 96 tram routes, providing a more efficient and comfortable way 20

for students and workers to reach the precinct, it says. This service will also eliminate the need for people commuting from Melbourne’s northern and north-eastern suburbs to travel into the CBD to get to the university or Parkville-bound services, it says. Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll, stated: “These new and improved bus services are making it easier for people to get around, particularly in growing communities like Keysborough. “Whether it’s travelling to the shops, work, school, or university – we’re making it more convenient for people to get to where they need to go.”

TIMETABLE SHUFFLE In further improvements to bus travel, timetables for 19 bus routes will be updated to better align to passenger demand, the government states. Changes across the routes from September 19 include increased frequency at popular travel times and some services starting earlier or finishing later, particularly on weekends. Nine bus routes will also have their off-peak services increased, the government explains. The upgraded services will connect passengers to education and healthcare facilities including the Box Hill Hospital, employment and local shopping precincts

“Travelling by bus will be more convenient, faster and less crowded.” Top: Two extra bus services have been announced in Melbourne. Above: “Whether it’s travelling to the shops, work, school, or university – we’re making it more convenient for people to get to where they need to go,” said Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll.

including Highpoint Shopping Centre, Queen Victoria Market, Doncaster Shopping Centre, and the Melbourne CBD. Commuters will also benefit from improved co-ordination with train timetables, providing a more reliable connection between buses and trains, it states. There will be additional weekend services to the Melbourne CBD and St Vincent’s Hospital on Routes 905 and 907, part of the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) SmartBus service, including services extended to midnight on Sunday nights.

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NEWS

TECHNICIANS SOUGHT VIA SCANIA TAFE TRAINING SCANIA AUSTRALIA is offering to fund upskilling for light-vehicle technicians who want to transition to heavy-duty vehicles, to be deployed to its nine company-owned workshops in Australian capital cities, it announced recently. The diesel-technician drive seeks out applicants who are ready for a career move and are eager to expand their skillsets and knowledge base – with the ultimate chance to represent Australia in the Top Team global after-sales skills competition, which Scania Australia has won three times

and placed very well in on several further occasions, it confirms. “Recently we have been approached by light-vehicle technicians looking to work for Scania, but they are not qualified or certified to work on hydraulic systems or heavy-duty air-pressure braking systems,” said Sean Corby, regional executive manager for Scania NSW and Victoria. “As a result, we have begun a program to invest in these technicians’ futures by funding their skills gap training through TAFE.”

Corby began his career ‘on the tools’ in the UK and has graduated through the ranks to a senior executive role within Scania over two decades, the company explains. “One of the benefits of an original equipment manufacturer-owned sales and service network is that you can come in as a technician and progress along a career path,” Corby explained. “This might take you as far as workshop manager or you might move into other areas of the business. How far you go and what skills you pick up are dependent only on your degree of motivation. “At Scania, we don’t just work on trucks and buses in our branches, but also trailers and trailer equipment, so the work can be varied and rewarding,” Corby continued. “Lately we have been approached by qualified light-vehicle technicians who have been keen to graduate to heavy-vehicle work within their existing employers’ businesses, but have found little interest from their employers to invest in them. “We’re saying ‘come to Scania’. We want to talk to you, and we have processes in place to upskill you and plenty of opportunities for you to carve out a more successful career path,” he said. Above: According to regional executive manager for Scania NSW and Victoria, Sean Corby: “Scania provides continuous professional development throughout a technician’s career and, in normal times, offers the possibility of international transfer between Scania operations around the world.”

VOLVO BUS BOLSTERS WA PTA SUPPORT TEAM VOLVO Bus Australia (VBA) has added a senior field-service engineer to its Perth bus team, as an integral part delivering on the Public Transit Authority (PTA) supply contract of both electric and diesel buses, the company announced recently. Effective August 2, 2021, internal hire Chris Hartmann was appointed to the role, responsible for supporting customers and dealers in Western Australia with technical support and product assistance. Hartmann has been a part of Volvo Group Australia for about 15 years, having worked as a heavy vehicle technician with a variety of customers and applications, the company confirms. He has an extensive understanding of heavy vehicle mechanics, diagnostics, 22

electrical and hybrid vehicles, is a certified hybrid vehicle technician, is qualified as an auto electrician, and holds a safety certificate in traction voltage, VBA states.

RELOCATION EVENTUALLY Having been with the Volvo Group for that time, Hartmann brings to the VBA bus team a thorough understanding of its core values of safety, quality and environmental care. While Hartmann is currently based in Brisbane, as soon as travel permits, he will relocate to Perth to start work with the WA-based team, Volvo Bus confirms. “Having been with Volvo Group Australia the past 15 years, it is exciting to now be a part of the

VBA team,” Hartmann stated. “The team in WA have done an excellent job of supporting and delivering on the PTA supply contract of diesel and electric buses, and I am glad to be a part of the team’s electro-mobility journey moving forward.”

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NEWS

JAPANESE-MARKET FUSO ROSA UPDATE ANNOUNCED TELEMATICS addition as standard, new body colours and upgraded high-end safety features highlight an updated Fuso Rosa light-duty bus – intended for the Japanese domestic market (at first, at least) – that was launched in August, Mitsubishi-Fuso announced recently. The new 29-seat ‘Pro line long-body’ Rosa – available through Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) sales companies and regional sales units across Japan – comes with the Busconnect telematics function as standard, which notifies and manages the vehicle’s operational status in real time to bus operators, the company confirms. The telematics feature allows bus operators to track and manage vehicle location, routing and drivers’ safety scores, while enabling remote diagnosis in real time, it explains. Through geofencing, Busconnect aids fleet managers in detecting vehicle issues, while also contributing to operational efficiency and the prevention of dangerous driving, it adds. The new Rosa also complies with various new industry requirements, including J-OBD II standards and noise regulations. The light-duty bus has been equipped with daytime running lights for increased visibility even during the day, Fuso says. It is now also offered with automatic lights that can help drivers avoid instances of forgetting to turn on the headlights at dusk. In addition, MFTBC has newly equipped the Rosa with a co-driver seatbelt reminder for greater safety, plus it now complies with Japan’s mandatory seatbelt regulation for extra seats and comes with a fuel tank

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compliant with the latest standards for fuel leak prevention, it notes.

COLOUR BY NUMBERS In terms of hues, two new body colours – Ocean Blue and Honey Yellow - are now available for customers, offering welcomed change for some from the traditional de rigueur blank-canvas white of the commercial vehicle world. Often run as shuttles or school buses, the Rosa plays a crucial role in day-to-day community transport, says Fuso. This small bus will continue to “evolve to provide a safer, more efficient and more comfortable experience on the road for all”, its press statement explains. As for performance, the Japanese-market 2RG-BE740G-model Rosa produces 128kW (175PS) via its 4P10+(T6) engine, transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed Duonic transmission.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Jabba the bus will be on the road from Tuesday, September 7, taking vaccinations to communities in Victoria that haven’t been able to access vaccination hubs. The bus is an Australian first and will travel across the GV Health Local Public Health Unit (LPHU) catchment area, which includes the municipalities of Greater Shepparton, Moira, Benalla, Strathbogie, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Campaspe. GV Health worked with Dyson Group, a local operator based in Bundoora, to convert the bus. It has three cubicles for vaccinations and a waiting area where patients can be monitored after their vaccination. Find out more at: www.gvhealth.org.au/covid-19/vaxbus/

AT A GLANCE Busconnect is a Fuso telematics function that enables the online tracking of real-time operational status; the information transmitted by the bus is gathered in the cloud-based Fuso database via mobile data connection. Users can track the current location and operational status of a vehicle by accessing a dedicated page on their PC or smartphone, Fuso explains. It covers a range of business needs, such as vehicle-issue detection and response, improvement of vehicle operational efficiency, and the prevention of dangerous driving, Fuso confirms. A separate usage agreement is required to enable this service, it adds.

EAT LEARN PLAY

This rather smashing-looking bus is on the roads of Oakland, California, delivering books and meals to kids and families in the area. Run by the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, the charity is focused on fighting childhood hunger and low literacy rates. The bus will act as a produce stand, delivering hundreds of kilograms of fresh local food and helping children understand the origins of the produce. On the driver’s side is a free bookstore that has a collection of thousands of children’s books, curated by local literary organisations and libraries. The bus can also be an entertainment venue, with a basketball hoop and rooftop deck that can accommodate up to 35 people, hosting literary and cooking talks, as well as other community events. To check out the bus and see more awesome pics, visit: www.eatlearnplay.org/bus

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA

Buses in the Spring-Ford School District of Montgomery County in Pennsylvania now have external cameras installed on school buses to increase road safety around the vehicle. It is illegal in Pennsylvania for a vehicle to pass a stopped school bus on both sides of the road, unless there is a barrier separating oncoming traffic from the bus. Offenders breaking the law will now be photographed and fined $300 via a civil citation, which incentivises the driver to pay as points are not added to their licence. Non-payers are referred to the police. The local police force says the real benefit is, “a change of culture and behavior” among drivers, with 94 per cent of offenders not reoffending.

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BIC

Putting a plan in action The BIC welcomes ‘intelligent’ and ‘mature thinking’ from government.

he bus and coach industry relies on good infrastructure. The federal government, through its establishment of Infrastructure Australia (IA) in 2008, opened up the opportunity for state and territory governments to obtain federal government funding to make public transport infrastructure projects a reality. The establishment of IA has proven to be a good strategic avenue for the BIC to peddle our research and policy work. Since 2010, the BIC has deliberately campaigned a ‘moving people’ message that embodies outcomes such as: planning for and creating ‘liveable’ cities and regions; providing adequate transport options for all (including socially disadvantaged and people with disabilities); and reform of road pricing (charges to better reflect the real costs associated with road travel and allocation of revenue for improved public transport services). All of this industry work has proven to be a good strategic fit with IA. On September 3, IA released its 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan to achieve its 2036 vision. A vision that would seek infrastructure that, “improves the sustainability of [Australia’s] economic, social, environmental and governance settings, builds quality of life for all Australians, and is resilient to shocks and emerging stresses”. Ambitious? Realistic? Maybe and maybe not. Who could have predicted the current social and economic landscape? Who could have forecasted that our ‘pandemic infrastructure’ needed looking through the lens of the last IA Plan in 2016 – a plan that aimed to “recapture the reform spirit of the 1980s and 1990s and initiate a new wave of policy and legislative reforms”? The foundation of the 2021 Plan is based on building

“The BIC highly commends IA on its support for regional and remote connectivity.” a sense of ‘place’, sustainability/resilience and industry/ innovation. The plan identifies a number of key reform areas that have the capacity to deliver positive outcomes for the broader bus and coach industry across operations, manufacturing and technology sectors. Integrated transport networks reform, regional and rural connectivity, industry productivity and affordable transition to a net zero future feature strongly in Australia’s infrastructure needs for the next 15 years. Admittedly, the Plan will need to be periodically ‘retested’ based on speed of recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, adoption of technological change, settlement patterns (particularly post-Covid) 26

and the emerging role of a regionalised Australia and adaptation of cities. The Plan has picked up on many transport reform areas in BIC’s advocacy program. Reforms such as: a single vision between planning, funding and delivery agencies; integration of transport and land use activities; and consistent performance standards across all regions (after all, why should we expect IA to recommend the allocation of funds to a network not delivering on more liveable cities and towns or not reducing pollution and congestion?). The BIC highly commends IA on its support for regional and remote connectivity that calls for coordinated passenger transport resources to deliver access benefits for all users. This includes connectivity to fast-growing cities and equitable same-day access to essential services under nationally consistent performance standards. IA also calls for a better use of assets and investment in faster and higher capacity transport networks. Any multi-modal upgrades should also support local movement networks, i.e. local government with first- and last-mile services (which would also include micro-mobility). The average Australian punter can be left in no doubt that a new era of personal travel is in a significant phase of evolution. More and more people want to live (and work) in affordable spaces with fast and affordable accessibility. Human-powered transport has boomed as a result of a clear mode-shift away from driving cars. We cannot possibly cover all of the highlights of the Plan in this column. The BIC, however, will conclude with a general comment. We have been a long-time supporter of IA as an organisation that could limit the ‘pork barrelling’ and extend the planning timelines for Australian governments, of all types, to go beyond the electoral cycle. Infrastructure decisions should be based on the long-term strategic needs of our cities and regions and not on a short-term, in-the-heat-of-the-moment need to get re-elected political campaigns, or to prop up a marginal electorate. In our view, IA continues to meet its mandate to advise governments, industry and the community on the investments and reforms needed to deliver better infrastructure for all Australians. The BIC will formally provide feedback to IA and the federal government in the coming weeks and readers can expect to see future columns discussing the 2021 Plan and the ‘good stuff for bus’. One last note. The BIC has decided to postpone our planned National Moving People 2021 conference to next year. Mark the diaries – November 13–16, 2022 in Brisbane. The BIC secretariat is committed to the moving people vision that enhances the sustainability and liveability of Australia’s cities and regions by using bus and coach transportation. Readers can connect with us on (02) 6247 5990, or by email to enquiries@bic.asn.au.

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UNITED SAFETY FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

United Safety offers a wide range of fire suppression solutions for all bus types - Diesel, Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cell. With the emergence of Zero Emission vehicles, we have the right technology to protect both life and assets like charging stations, generators and battery storage units. The United Safety catalogue is equipped with brands such as Fogmaker water mist, Reacton dry powder and AF-X, a gaseous fire suppression technology. All these have been proven to be reliable, safe and meet international and Australian performance standards. United Safety provides consultancy to select the correct solution for your application. We also provide annual fire certification to Sydney metro and Hunter Valley, for facilities and depot equipment.

For inquiries, contact United Safety & Survivability Corporation:

tel: 0407 829 335 email: brett.baxendale@ussc.com.au

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IN FOCUS

IRIZAR LEADERSHIP CHANGE

BUS MANAGEMENT CHANGE AT IRIZAR AUSTRALIA A leadership change at European coach-body distributor Irizar Australia sees ex-Iveco bus stalwart Steve Heanes now head up the Spanish manufacturer here following Daniel Castro’s promotion to Irizar USA, the company reports.

ffective as of September 13, 2021, current Irizar Australia managing director Daniel Castro left his position to join Irizar operations in the United States as the new director. Castro has a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and has recently concluded his Master’s in business administration at the Melbourne Business School. “I am proud to be part of the history of Irizar in Australia since day one of this market, initially as sales and technical support for our previous sales representative and, since 2013, as the managing director of our operation,” said Castro, who devoted 17 years of his career to the Irizar Group. “Watching a market start, helping to remove the hurdles [out] of the way and see a brand reach strong recognition is a long cycle that not many professionals have the chance to follow,” he explained. “I was blessed with that opportunity in Irizar,” he stated proudly to ABC magazine, highlighting his strong links to Australia. “Throughout the past eight years, my family and I have created strong roots in this country, having adopted the ‘Aussie’ nationality and lifestyle. Leaving all this behind is a mixture of feelings; It’s very sad, personally, but I’m looking forward to the new challenges in a new country,” Castro concluded.

NEW BLOOD To continue and progress a successful strategy in Australia, Irizar Group has appointed Steven Heanes as its new managing director. Heanes – a well-known professional in the Australian bus industry, with more than 20 years’ experience – brings to Irizar 28

“a very matured view of the market, adding the knowledge and network Irizar needs to keep growing”, the company explains. “A career spanning 37 years in the commercial vehicle sector, starting at the workshop floor and progressing through to senior management roles – which covered various parts of the commercial vehicle industry – has given me a good understanding of what is required to deliver good service to the customer, but also what a customer expects, which I believe fits very well with the Irizar values,” Heanes stated. “I am really excited about joining the

Irizar family and growing the business further. “Irizar has become a strong player of the public transport sector and has been very innovative in its offerings to the market. “One innovation is the R&M packages for the body and AC; it’s challenging enough for customers to think about the capital expenditure, but when it comes to the maintenance costs that is even more difficult. “Customers who are working on fixed contract rates can now be confident knowing the exact cost of the body and AC [air conditioning] over the life of the

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vehicle and or contract – and, when bundled up with chassis R&M [resource and mining], it’s an absolute winner,” Heanes explained.

KEY SOLUTIONS With Heanes joining the team as leader, it complements the long-term strategy of Irizar Australia in this market, according to the company. “We are very glad that Steven Heanes has accepted to join Irizar,” said Rafael Sterling, Irizar Group global CEO. “His experience with the various bus and coach associations and his capacity of building relationships are strengths that we value a lot within the Irizar Group. “Steven has the skills and experience to strengthen our brand in the market by continuing the ‘customer-centrism’ strategy and the development of turn-key solutions,” Sterling explained. Castro added: “Steven Heanes is not a stranger to Irizar Group; he has visited our factories with customers and our relationship goes back more [than] 10 years. “Indirectly, Steven was always a contributor to our success. “With Steven taking on my position, I will leave Australia with peace of mind knowing that our customers and our team will be in very good hands,” complimented Castro.

IRIZAR IN AUSTRALIA It has been eight years since the Irizar Group decided to change strategy and establish its own operation in Australia, it explains. Since then, the brand has established strong relationships with customers and chassis manufacturers; has delivered product to the major bus operators in Australia; and had double-digit growth for the past four years, acquiring an astonishing 25 new customers per year on average, it confirms, finishing 2020 as market leader with 23 per cent share for diesel-powered buses and coaches in Australia. Other innovations were on the service side of the business, it

In 2021, Irizar will reach its milestone of delivering 1,000 vehicles into the Australian bus and coach market. explains, with Irizar Asia Pacific becoming the first manufacturer to match the service routine of the chassis suppliers, partnering with the OEMs on R&M contracts for body and air conditioning services. Proving the success of the Irizar brand strategy here in the past eight years, in 2021 it will reach its milestone of delivering 1,000 vehicles into the Australian bus and coach market, the company confirms.

ABOUT IRIZAR Irizar Asia Pacific is the subsidiary of Irizar Group for Southeast Asia and Oceania, based in Australia. The group has 132 years’ experience building transport vehicles and servicing its products, plus manufacturing and delivering solutions for electro-mobility: electric motors and generators, connectivity and power generation, it explains. Initially set up in North of Spain, the Irizar Group expanded into more than 92 countries around the world. The group is now a conglomerate of 13 production plants located in Spain, Morocco, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, and has added its own R&D centre in Spain.

Opposite: Irizar has the goal of delivering its 1,000th vehicle to Australia this year. Above: Daniel Castro is now the new director of Irizar’s US operations. Below: Steve Heanes has taken over as Irizar Australia managing director.

Building more than 3,500 buses and coaches per year, Irizar is a reference for design, technology and comfort, it states. In addition to strong commercial and administration teams, Irizar has a factory-trained group of technicians based in four different Australian states. Its mobile service team services major fleets working on express contracts and mining contracts, it adds. Irizar’s philosophy for work is to eliminate the day-by-day issues of an operation, managing the assets (buses and coaches) of the customers and allowing them to focus on their business strategy, it says.

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IN FOCUS

VOLVO-VOLGREN PARTNERSHIP

AUSSIE VOLVOVOLGREN BUS PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATED In what is perhaps a fitting nod to a business partnership more than 40 years old, the first four Volvo BZL electric bus chassis soon debuting in Australia will wear locally made Volgren bodies, the companies have announced.

s Volvo bus marks its ‘50 years in Australia’ milestone throughout 2021, the company is reflecting on its longterm bus partnerships that have delivered decades of customer success, highlighting Volgren recently via its initial BZL e-bus production run. Volvo Bus Australia (VBA) and Volgren have a working relationship dating to the late-1970s – and as VBA prepares for the launch of the Volvo BZL electric chassis this 30

September, it’s now confirmed the first four units will be products derived from its relationship with Volgren. This long relationship began soon after Volvo Bus entered the Australian market in 1971, establishing itself as a reliable Swedish bus chassis manufacturer. Volvo Bus then approached now Aussie bus industry icon Ken Grenda in 1977 – at the time the principal of Grenda Corporation in Dandenong, Victoria – to discuss becoming a chassis distributor. Whilst historically Grenda had deployed

American and British buses, it soon recognised the potential of Volvo’s reliable European chassis and, consequently, Grenda and Volvo Bus marked the beginning of their partnership, Volvo explains. In turn, this partnership inspired the birth of Volgren – an amalgamation of the words Volvo and Grenda. The new partnership also saw the beginning of a new link with Hess, a Swiss company that specialised in building extruded aluminium bus bodies; Volgren would use Hess materials to fit

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bodies onto Volvo chassis, they explain. With key relationships established, VBA would release its first complete bus with Volgren in 1979, a B58 mid-engine Volvo chassis with a sturdy Hess aluminium body, built by Volgren.

JUST THE START This B58 marked the first of many complete Volvo buses with Volgren bodies that would enter Australia’s bus fleets, Volvo confirms. Ever since, these buses have had their bodies built locally across the country in Eagle Farm, Brisbane; Dandenong, Victoria; and Malaga, Perth; as part of Volvo and Volgren’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing. “As we reflect on our 50 years in Australia, VBA is grateful to have had Volgren play such a big part in our journey,” said Mitch Peden, general manager Volvo Bus Australia. “As a trusted business partner since the late-’70s, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have our first four Volvo BZL electric chassis units fitted with Volgren bodies. “It is the joint dedication of the people at VBA and Volgren to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable solutions to our customers that has enabled successful ongoing partnership over the past 44 years – and we look forward to seeing what we can further achieve together in the future,” Peden stated.

SHARED VALUES Since the beginning, Volvo and Volgren have shared similar values

and principles, with Volvo’s values of quality, safety and environmental care running parallel to the mission of Volgren, which has enabled them to remain trusted and reliable business partners, dedicated to delivering customer success, they state. The shared dedication to these values has also allowed Volvo and Volgren to collectively achieve positive business outcomes, in supporting various large government fleets over the years, including The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, Brisbane City Council, State Transit Authority of New South Wales and a large number of private operators nationally, they confirm. Thiago Deiro, Volgren CEO says he was exceptionally proud of the partnership with Volvo, which is one of the longest and most productive in the history of the Australian bus industry. “It’s a partnership built on mutual

respect and trust,” Deiro explained. “We have been prime contractors for each other on massive projects – some of the biggest and most important supply contracts in Australia. “We know that we can count on Volvo and they can count on us,” he stated. Deiro says it’s also a partnership defined by its openness. “We are companies eager to learn from one another. The Volvo and Volgren engineering teams, for example, liaise with each other on a daily basis – I know they have certainly met with that kind of frequency during the ‘Volvo BZL Electric’ e-bus project,” he explained. “When you work with Volvo you work with a team that is responsive to discussion. They are a company open to different options, to alternatives and changes that make the end product better. “We believe we offer the same to them,” he concluded.

Opposite: Grenda was Volvo’s partner in the 1970s when Volvo first entered the Australian marketplace. Top: The VolgrenVolvo partnership is more than 40 years old. Above: Mitch Peden, general manager Volvo Bus Australia. Left: Thiago Deiro, Volgren CEO.

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IN FOCUS

ABB WORLD EV DAY

ABB MARKS WORLD EV DAY IN OZ

Australia’s first ‘fully sustainably powered’ electric bus – run in South-East Queensland using solar energy sourced from 250 depot solar panels and charged via advanced ABB grid-to-plug technology – highlighted the national celebration of World EV Day on September 9, 2021.

APTURING MORE THAN 159,000kWh of local Queensland sunshine – collected on-site at Transdev’s Capalaba depot each year – the full-sized e-bus is helping to engage more people in e-mobility, with South-East Queenslanders already experiencing the comfort and convenience of the 39-seat e-bus service on Translink routes throughout Brisbane and the Redlands area. Key to the success in the delivery of such a service is ABB’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure powering the new 39-seat e-bus service. According to the company, its cloud-connected digital solution for EV chargers means Transdev can remotely monitor the charging infrastructure all day and night to ensure reliable and efficient 32

bus services. “Given that nothing of this scale had been done before in Australia, or New Zealand, having a supplier like ABB that had local know-how backed with international experience was essential,” Transdev Australasia chief engineer Marc Cleave said. ABB Australia’s e-mobility segment lead Steven Amor commented: “ABB is proud to be playing its part in powering the future of public transport in Australia. “We worked with both Transdev and Australian bus body manufacturer Volgren to develop a charging solution that would enable zero-emission transportation along the bus routes. “Because buses follow fixed schedules and routes, there is no unpredictability around the range.

“The anchor decision is the bus charging strategy – because efficient recharging reduces electric bus operating costs. “For Transdev, ABB deployed its e-bus ready Terra 124 dual-outlet fast-charging stations that can provide a single 120kW charge, or simultaneously charge two buses at 60kW under five hours and up to a 300-kilometre range per charge. “This solution minimises downtime and improves utilisation of the buses across the planned route,” Amor stated.

THE TASK AT HAND In the year to March 2021, the transport sector accounted for 17.5 per cent of Australia’s emissions, according to the latest National Greenhouse Gas inventory released in August 2021.

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At a time where the nation aims to reduce emissions to below 2005 levels by 2030, expanding the adoption of EVs is one of the most effective ways to lower carbon emissions, ABB explains. Global e-mobility leader and bus operator Transdev is addressing this by placing Australia’s first fully sustainably powered full-size electric bus on the roads in SEQ, it adds. Transdev has been operating the new 39-seat e-bus to carry 61 passengers on the abovementioned Brisbane Translink routes under a two-year partnership with the Queensland state government, the operator confirms.

POWERPLAY ABB Electrification – a global leader in safe, smart and sustainable electrification, it states – and its installation partners worked with Transdev Australasia to provide an integrated grid-to-plug solution to support the operator’s bid to transfer its fleet to electric use. All aspects of Transdev’s Queensland depot were evaluated prior to submitting a charging proposal, including analysis of proposed vehicle specification, the number of vehicles being considered, while also accommodating for proposed future expansion of the e-bus fleet, ABB explains. Emphasis was specifically focused on providing solutions supporting the existing grid capacity against expected additional loads and power distribution upgrades that supported the future expansion of the charging infrastructure, it adds. Intelligent load management ensures effective utilisation of

the charging investment and cost-efficient operation of the charging infrastructure of the depot facility, it states.

ENERGY CAPTURE Transdev was also looking for a digital solution that would integrate with solar-powered panels, it explains. In this regard, ABB’s high-power chargers form part of the ABB Ability portfolio of digital solutions, which suited. These chargers benefit from cloud connectivity, which allows network operators 24-hour availability of the charging infrastructure to perform tasks remotely, such as monitoring diagnosis and upgrades to maximise charger availability and ensure reliable and efficient infrastructure, ABB states. “Our DC fast chargers run on the ABB Ability Connected Services Platform, which employs Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to enhance uptime, scalability and operational efficiencies, as well as to provide real-time remote support services,” Amor clarified. “ABB provides EV charging stations and critical EV charging infrastructure components, such as substations, energy storage systems, and eco-friendly switchgear. “These technologies are designed so that EV charging stations, once installed, will be both future-proof and scalable,” he added. “ABB and Transdev share a similar vision around the potential of e-mobility and transportation to transform society. “Our common goal is to accelerate the introduction of emission-free transportation by creating an environmentally

These technologies are designed so that EV charging stations, once installed, will be both future-proof and scalable. friendly bus fleet supported by a standardised, fast, efficient and reliable charging system.”

BODY WORK

Opposite: Transdev has been operating the new 39-seat e-bus to carry 61 passengers on Brisbane Translink routes. Above: Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro. Left: Terra 124 dual-outlet fast-charging stations can provide a single 120kW charge, or simultaneously charge two buses at 60kW under five hours.

The new electric buses were built at Volgren’s factory in Dandenong, Melbourne, using nearly 100 Australian suppliers and almost 90 per cent proportion of local production, the bus body builder confirms. Prolific Chinese e-bus company BYD supplied the e-chassis and the 348kW lithium phosphate battery. Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro says the introduction of zero-emission buses in Australia would have significant benefits for commuters, fleet operators, the health sector and, most importantly, the environment. “The fleet transition to electric buses that we’re now seeing will play an important part in reducing transport emissions in Australia and globally, which is essential for the community in so many ways,” Deiro stated. “Our goal is to not only make the very best electric bus bodies, but to share knowledge and be part of the solution with international partners like ABB and Transdev.”

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FEATURE

SCANIA

SCANIA SUPPORTS LOCAL BODY-BUILDERS Scania Australia is standing ‘ready to deliver’ by ordering a range of vehicles for charter and school bus operations to support Australian bus bodybuilders during the present downturn in retail demand, it reports recently.

“W

E understand how critical it is for bodybuilders to be able to maintain their staff and their cashflow, and so we have taken the decision to invest further in the local manufacturing industry,” said Scania Australia director of sales for bus and engines, Julian Gurney. “In the normal course of events we would typically only stock the Scania-Higer range 34

of buses, but our reading of the market and the industry was that we needed to step in to assist our partners, as retail orders slowed as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns. “Public transport and school service suspension or reduction as a result of the lockdowns has hit bus operators very hard across all the eastern states and South Australia, with the knock-on effect impacting body-builders all around the country,” he explained.

“Scania has ordered bodies from a range of body builders including Volgren, Express Bus & Coach, Coach Concepts and Coach Design, and we also have some ethanol-powered Scania chassis in build at Bustech for a long-term project in Mackay. “The upside for us will be that when demand returns, we will have vehicles ready to go, requiring just seating installations and other minor accessories as per the specific demands of the individual operators,” Gurney said.

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REFINING RUNNNG COSTS “We are confident that it is just a matter of time before the market regains a semblance of normality, and the reality of replacement cycles returns,” he continued. “The federal government’s roadmap includes an easing of restrictions once we achieve 70–80 per cent vaccination levels and, at current take-up rates, this should be a reality by the end of the year. “Across Australia the absence of inbound tourism has been strongly felt by operators in the charter and tourism sector. For all those working in this segment, I know the long-awaited upturn in domestic tourism – which the opening of state borders is expected to bring – can’t come soon enough,” Gurney stated emphatically. Additionally, the impact of the pandemic may be a good time for operators to review their business operating principles, and Scania has many advantages to offer businesses looking to reduce or refine their running costs, it states. “This starts with an offer from Scania Finance Australia to provide an alternative source of funding, while our repair and maintenance contracts deliver known and predictable running costs, as well as total peace-of-mind that the vehicle will be cared for by expert technicians, and only fitted with genuine Scania replacement parts for ultimate uptime reliability,” he confirmed.

SOLID SUPPORT

Above: Scania is forward-booking bus bodies to support local manufacturers. Top, Right: Scania Australia director of sales for bus and engines, Julian Gurney.

Gurney was quick to point out that one of Scania Australia’s key advantages in the Australian market is that its company-owned workshops are staffed by expert, fully qualified technicians with access to the latest tooling, diagnostic resources and replacement parts. They are also experienced in maintaining Scania products, which means faster turnaround of regular maintenance and repairs, he says. In addition, Scania Australia has a nationwide network of authorised independent dealers, which has similar access to Scania’s knowledge base. Combined, these

two networks strive to support our customer pledge of maximum uptime for Scania buses and coaches, Gurney explains. “Further, Scania advantages include our driver training and fleet-monitoring systems, which allow operators to see exactly how their fuel budget is being burned, and to pinpoint areas where savings can be made,” he stated. “Examples of these savings are through reduced idling, or by finessing driving styles to reduce harsh acceleration or braking. These are all big fuel-wasters,” he said. “As more and more Australian business turn towards sustainable business models, Scania has ‘here and now’ solutions that are ready to hit the road for the bus industry. “Our biodiesel ready engines can help cut CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent (well-to-wheel) and

our hybrid-electric engines can save up to 25 per cent in diesel consumption. “These are solutions all operators can plug into their fleets immediately, and they are moves that could encourage higher levels of patronage, particularly among inner city dwellers who have expressed strong desires for more environmentally friendly transport,” Gurney stated. “The planning for the roll-out of our battery-operated electric chassis will begin early next year, and we anticipate having product ready to begin operations by mid-2022,” he confirmed. “In the interim, with our stock on the ground now built, we stand ready to deliver Australian-built buses to the market with immediate availability,” Gurney concluded.

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FEATURE

FUTURE FORWARD ZF is paving the way to an electric future with its range of electric drive solutions for buses.

ith e-mobility options becoming increasingly popular throughout the bus and coach industry, ZF continues to lead the way with a comprehensive suite of proven products, it says. From a selection of electric drive solutions to suit both traditional and contemporary configurations, through to management systems, active safety, chassis and suspension components, ZF’s range of e-mobility solutions for buses is now available. Notably, the electric drives offers multiple advantages to early adopters, especially for passengers, pedestrians and residents local to busy bus routes, with pollutants such as CO2 and nitrogen oxide eliminated, it states. Another attractive feature of the technology is practically silent operation; a key benefit for vehicles intended to be used in densely populated areas.

The systems are also adaptable for various bus and coach configurations, including typical solo drive arrangements, as well as articulated and double-deck.

AXTRAX AXLE Leading the way for ZF is the AxTrax AVE electric portal axle, which features integrated electric motors built into the wheel hubs. Specially developed for demanding inner-city use, AxTrax is perfect for low-floor applications, says ZF, with the system fitting within the traditional parameters of existing wheel hub and suspension designs. The electric portal axle opens up a range of body configuration options, with the space traditionally utilised by the internal combustion engine (ICE), transmission and driveline components becoming free. Thus, low-floors can be carried through from the front to the rear of the bus and, if specified with battery power, the battery packs can be creatively integrated

into different areas of the vehicle. At the heart of the AxTrax AVE are two compact, high-speed motors, which deliver impressive peak and continuous power thanks to liquid cooling, ZF states. As expected from an electric drive, power is delivered instantaneously, with the system’s high torque characteristics making it ideal for stop-start driving. Another advantage of the concept is extended service intervals and limited maintenance downtime. The system can also be configured to provide 4WD. The AxTrax is compatible with existing wheel rim and tyre combinations while also utilising standard brake discs, which remain located in the same position as previous, simplifying the system’s integration into fleets. The arrangement comes complete with an EST 54 electronic control unit, with the ZF developed control software providing vehicle manufacturers with a cost-effective, dependable and

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The new ZF CeTrax takes the traditional concept of the ICE and brings it into the zero-emissions future.

efficient solution, the company says.

CETRAX The new ZF CeTrax, meanwhile, takes the traditional concept of the ICE and brings it into the zero-emissions future, with a central drive layout that can be easily adapted for a range of classically designed vehicles. This means that there is no need to extensively re-engineer the chassis, axles, differentials or bodies of current models, essentially making it a plug-and-play option. From a technical perspective, the CeTrax can also be specified as a retrofit option for existing ICE-powered buses. Manufacturers can benefit from the option of using the system both for low-entry and high-floor applications, and low-floor buses in combination with the AV 133 portal axle. Despite its relatively small size, the system packs plenty of punch, with a maximum power output of up to 300kW and a maximum torque of 4,500Nm, which compares favourably to any alternate power plant. The high-speed electric motor is

integrated with a tried-and-tested planetary reduction gear stage, as found on the ZF EcoLife transmission. Like the AxTrax, CeTrax is supplied by ZF complete with an inverter and electronic control unit, with the design featuring integrated water and oil cooling systems. Both the CeTrax and AxTrax provide adaptability when it comes to power supply options, including battery, hydrogen fuel cell, supercapacitors, or mains power via pantograph for trolleybus applications. Meanwhile, the AxTrax design opens up opportunities for buses and coaches to be designed with a serial hybrid arrangement when combined with a small ICE.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ZF has also recently introduced to the market its new Energy Management System (EMS), which controls all of the electric functions of a vehicle, including the electric driveline and auxiliary tasks such as air compressors, steering systems and fluid cooling. The EMS can be further enhanced with the addition of ZF’s ePre-Vision system, which considers the vehicle’s upcoming topography profile via GPS when coordinating its energy requirements.

This includes factoring in variables such as regenerative braking, which saves wear on the service brakes while extending the battery range. Other examples of specialist bus and coach E-Mobility products include power steering pumps and systems, the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, plus supporting electric controls and infrastructure. Elsewhere, a recent addition to the ZF family is WABCO, a leading provider of advanced systems for buses and coaches, aiding in safety and efficiency. Included in this offering are innovations in braking, vehicle stability control, automation and more. Further information on the entire ZF bus and coach range of technology products can be found at zf.com/bus.

Top: The AxTrax AVE electric portal axle. Above: The ZF CeTrax can replace an internal combustion engine to electrify a bus. Opposite: ZF’s Energy Management System controls all of the electric functions of a vehicle.

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COVERSTORY

BIG RED KIDNEY BUS

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Kidney disease affects more Australians than many think it does – and that’s even if people know they have it. A Big Red Kidney Bus helps those patients, now fully aware of their ‘silent killer’, to get back some quality of life through travel. A new Royans-Coachworks-refurbished ‘BRKB’ adds to the charity’s vital patient support program. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES SEAN OWENS + COURTESY KHA

as country singer and white-bearded icon Willie Nelson in some sort of restricted movement situation, or enforced home confinement, when he penned his famous 1979 lyrics: “On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again…”? More specifically, the second verse’s: “Goin’ places that I’ve never been. Seein’ things that I may never see again…”? While these invitingly lullaby-like song words seem equally, if not more so, relevant to thousands across Australia and citizens across the world today, where government lockdowns persist in an attempt to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, to some people such an escapist idea will largely remain just a beautiful ideal. And that’s because, for many, their more pressing health concerns – like cancer treatment, crucial surgeries, CT scans, blood tests for diabetes and treatment for the frequently ensuing kidney problems – means their ability to travel and achieve some quality of life and therapeutic freedom is severely limited or unfortunately - non-existent at all. Imagine, if you will then, the ability to receive vital medical treatment while on a holiday trip or lifelong coveted journey whereas prior you’d have no chance of getting out on the road again at all… 40

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COVERSTORY

BIG RED KIDNEY BUS

Gratuitous segues aside, Peak charity for kidney disease, Kidney Health Australia (KHA), is doing its bit to expand the horizons of thousands of Australians with kidney disease who are unable to travel due to their dialysis treatment. And that’s where its custom-modified buses come in to help things.

THE SILENT KILLER While many of the abovementioned medical conditions are often talked about in the mainstream media and the like – yet granted not as much as all those charities connected to them crucially need – arguably kidney disease is even less talked about or known about, and often it’s after it’s all too late. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (last updated 15 July, 2020), an estimated 1.2 million Australians (4.9 per cent of the total population at the time) had diabetes in 2017–18, based on self-reported data. Additionally, diabetes contributed to 11 per cent

of Australian deaths in 2018 (16,700 deaths), which were underlying or associated deaths. Diabetes is also a key contributor to kidney dsiease, which has a greater impact than many realise, with about 63 people dying every day with kidney-related disease. According to Kidney Health Australia, kidney disease affects 1.7 million Australians each year. When a person’s kidneys stop working, treatment such as haemodialysis or a transplant is needed to sustain life. Currently 13,000 people are receiving dialysis treatment for kidney failure in Australia, including 1,000 children, KHA explains.

BUSES TO THE RESCUE One of the key support programs

Opposite, Right: The bus has three dialysis stations on board, with six sessions available per day. Below: KHA sought the services of bus industry restoration expert RoyansCoachworks to refurbish the bus.

offered via KHA is the ‘Big Red Kidney Bus’. In its simplest terms, the Big Red Kidney Bus, “...makes holidays possible for people on dialysis”, the charity explains. Kidney Health Australia’s award-winning Big Red Kidney Bus program operates with clinical partners in Victoria and New South Wales to provide mobile haemodialysis services in these states, allowing people on dialysis a chance to have a holiday or visit family and friends and still receive their lifesaving treatment, it says. On average, haemodialysis patients need to have treatment for at least five hours at a time, three days a week – which can be very restricting as they need to stay close to their dialysis unit, KHA general manager, Marketing

In its simplest terms, the Big Red Kidney Bus makes holidays possible for people on dialysis.

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ABOUT KHA Kidney Health Australia is the peak national charity dedicated to helping all Australians to achieve better kidney health and provide vital resources and services to those affected by kidney disease, it states. The organisation is focused on decreasing the incidence of kidney failure through promoting earlier detection of kidney disease, and funding and supporting research, it explains. The organisation has been operating for more than 50 years and works closely with an extensive network of clinical, corporate and community groups and individuals to improve the care and support for all Australians at risk of, or affected by, kidney disease and other kidney conditions, it adds. Kidney Health Australia relies on the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors and grants to provide these vital resources and programs, it says. For more information visit: https://kidney.org.au/

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COVERSTORY

BIG RED KIDNEY BUS

MORE ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects every organ system in the body and damage accumulates over time. The kidneys are a vital organ and when functioning normally, remove waste and harmful substances from the blood. The kidneys also play a vital role in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. When there is a problem with kidney function, this balance is disturbed. Shockingly, a person can lose 90 per cent of their kidney function without experiencing any signs or symptoms of the disease. Kidney disease stages 1 to 3 are usually symptom-free, though with high-risk implications. Undiagnosed, kidney disease can rapidly progress to stages 4 and 5 when kidney function will fail, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant (if suitable) to stay alive. Those with high blood pressure and diabetes are most at risk! Data from the Australian Health Survey shows that 10 per cent of all Australian adults have biomedical signs of CKD, which is almost double the rate of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Since 2009, admissions for dialysis have increased by 3.9 per cent on average each year. More than 26,000 Australians live with kidney failure (dialysis or kidney transplant), which shortens their life and has a major impact on the quality of life for themselves, their families and community. Kidney Health Australia’s Evidence Report revealed that dialysis currently accounts for 13 per cent of all hospitalisations Australia-wide, and 34 per cent of all hospitalisations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. CKD is also a major public health problem in Australia, costing the health system an estimated $5.1 billion each year. Many people living with kidney disease face large out-of-pocket costs, too. Patients receiving care for CKD Stages 3–5 face costs in excess of $900 per quarter on average. More than half of households reported economic hardship as a result of out-of-pocket costs of CKD. For more information visit: kidney.org.au/ bigredkidneybus Above: More than 26,000 Australians live with kidney failure, so the Kidney Buses also help spread awareness of the disease.

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and Community, Maria O’Sullivan, explained. “The Big Red Kidney Buses are open to all Australians on hospital, satellite or home haemodialysis. The buses travel across Victoria and News South Wales, where they are located at popular holiday locations for up to six weeks at a time,” O’Sullivan stated. “The bus features three comfortable chairs – each fully equipped with dialysis machines. It offers up to six sessions per day and patients can book in as many sessions as they require while they are on holiday in that location, without worrying about missing critical appointments. “The buses are staffed by experienced dialysis nurses and renal technicians from Monash Health in Victoria and Royal North Shore Hospital in New South Wales.”

NEW NSW BUS As one can imagine, custom buses set up to deliver such specialised treatment don’t roll off the showroom floor, so discerning modification needs to take place. For a recent NSW-bound bus, as shown on ABC magazine Issue 409’s cover – featuring a 2001 Volvo B12R chassis with an NCBC body – KHA sought the services of bus industry restoration expert Coachworks, now part of the Royans heavy-vehicle collision-repair group. Royans Coachworks, based in Brisbane, recently completed the refurbishment of the bus, which is to replace an ageing vehicle that KHA currently has in operation. The new bus is thanks to the generous support of Toronto Lions

The obvious challenge to the project was the Covid disruption, which made it difficult and sometimes impossible for the project management team. Club in NSW and AstraZeneca and it will, “…provide the ultimate in safety and comfort of patients and staff, and we expect the new Queensland bus [the next project] to offer the same level of comfort,” O’Sullivan explained.

Above, Left: The mobile dialysis unit gives people undergoing treatment the possibility to go on holiday and still receive their necessary dialysis sessions.

AN EXCITING PROJECT

Below: Coachworks says that it was an interesting challenge to make the bus work effectively as a dialysis clinic.

Coachworks general manager Scott Isaacs told ABC magazine the ‘Big Red Kidney Bus’ (BRKB) project gave Coachworks an opportunity to do, and be involved in, something new

and exciting, “…from the amazing concept itself to the relationships with key stakeholders at KHA and RNSH through to the challenges experienced by the production team in bringing the project to fruition. “The obvious challenge to the project was the Covid disruption, which made it difficult and sometimes impossible for the project management team – represented by KHA, Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) and Coachworks – to physically meet due to lockdown restrictions and border closures. Thanks to technology, this could be overcome… “The flip side to this was the availability of experienced labour within the business required to complete the project, available in part by the slowdown in our industry during these difficult times. “The project required input from all areas of the business due to the scope of work required, a core group of people – including coach builders, auto electricians, fitters and painters, along with purchasing staff and

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COVERSTORY

BIG RED KIDNEY BUS

HUGE IMPACT

The bus would be available to all 13,000 Australians currently on dialysis and users would be able to book sessions online. sub-contractors - have enjoyed the challenge and look forward to the potential opportunity for future BRKB projects with the experience learnt. “I am very proud of the way our team have been able to put the project together considering the unique challenges of building a medical-grade bus. “Equally, it was impressive to see individuals add real value to the project, sharing ideas and information from their personal life experiences that allowed us to better understand the facility from the perspective of the nurses and patients,” Isaacs explained.

SUITABLE OUTCOME Above: The Big Red Kidney Buses are open to all Australians on hospital, satellite or home haemodialysis. 46

In terms of how easy – or not – it is to convert a bus over to be CKD-treatment ready, Isaacs stated: “The biggest challenge with the project was ensuring that all aspects of the vehicle from the front entry through

to the clinical area and storage/ stowage spaces were fit for purpose. “The initial stages of the build required many engineering solutions to be found, so the vehicle structure could be modified to allow for a user-friendly entry, comfortable head room throughout the main cabin, and storage spaces capable of securely stowing consumables and clinical equipment as required. “The project team enjoyed this challenge and have worked methodically through the build to what I feel is a very suitable outcome.” So how long was the project? “It was completed over a 20-week period including two weeks planning and preparing for the build initially and the quality checks and commissioning of the vehicle prior to completion. This is the first BRKB for Coachworks,” Isaacs confirmed, happy to participate in future Big Red Kidney Bus builds, if needed.

So, just how does having such a vehicle like this help impact kidney disease for those involved day to day? As O’Sullivan explained: “In 2019, almost 1,200 dialysis sessions were conducted on the buses. “There is [also] a high demand from our kidney community to have a Big Red Kidney Bus in Queensland to enable people on dialysis to visit the state and take a holiday in some of the beautiful coastal locations. “The bus would be available to all 13,000 Australians currently on dialysis and users would be able to book sessions online. “In year one of operation, we would aim for over 300 sessions of dialysis to take place. Due to the popularity of holidaying in Queensland, we expect awareness and interest levels to grow in subsequent years. “Thanks to the generous support of Robina Lions Club on the Gold Coast we are close to achieving our target to purchase another bus and refurbish it. However, we are calling on continued generous supporters to help us close the gap,” O’Sullivan stated.

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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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OPERATOR

BLUE BUS

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TRUE BLUE AUSSIE Blue Bus director and founder Geoff Jacob loves driving coaches and sharing his love of the Australian outback. He and his wife, Sandra, run a school bus and tour charter business in Queensland. ABC magazine caught up with the couple to talk about what it is like running a bus company in the present environment.

WORDS ANJALI BEHL IMAGES COURTESY BLUE BUS

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OPERATOR

BLUE BUS

E Top: The Volvo in Blue Bus’ line-up. Above, Right: In 2002, the couple bought Russell Island Bus Service. Right: Geoff and Sandra in 2011 with their four children Adam, Travis, Lara and Gary. Opposite, Top: Geoff Jacob wanted a company name that reflected true-blue values; hence the name, Blue Bus. 50

arly last year, Blue Bus had 18 tours in its brochure ready to promote in 2020, when the dark shadows of the pandemic descended and cancelled everything. The company managed to get a few tours off the ground after August 2020, but the operations missed that pre-Covid level before further restrictions derailed the plans again. Despite that, the husband-wife duo is planning a full tour program for 2022; “Living in hope,” as Geoff says. In 2002, the couple bought Russell Island Bus Service with a 31-seater Isuzu bus and now operate 10 coaches under G & S Jacob & Sons Pty Ltd - trading as Blue Bus, Russell Island Bus Service, and Macleay Island Bus Service (purchased in 2004), offering school bus services and short and extended accommodated coach tours. “Having worked for Diddillibah Bus Service, Geoff wanted an

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It’s very frustrating that the government doesn’t see that our passengers are worthy of a travel voucher to jump on our coach and go for a tour. easy-to-remember, and spell, business name that reflected true-blue values; hence the name, Blue Bus,” said Sandra, who manages accounts, payroll and marketing for the company. Together they operate a fleet of buses and coaches ranging from 29- to 57-seaters including, five BCI coaches, a BLK, a Volvo, a Mercedes-Benz and two 57-seat Daewoo B117 buses that do school runs on Russell and Macleay Islands. Their vehicle service and mechanical work

is managed in-house at their Redland Bay workshop, in Queensland. Geoff continues to drive, doing most of the long-distance hauls for the extended tours and camping safaris, and cooks for those groups as well. Once a month, he goes to the islands to service the school buses there.

CHANGED OPERATIONS In the pre-Covid era, Blue Bus ran tours all over Australia, but border restrictions meant it had to limit its operations to Queensland.

FAMILY HISTORY Geoff, Jacob, a farmer’s son, didn’t have any familial ties with the bus industry. He did his mechanical apprenticeship in a small town in southern NSW, Holbrook. As a trained petrol and diesel mechanic, Geoff started working for Mylon Motorways in Wodonga before driving for Swagman Tours doing tours all over Australia. He also worked for Palmwoods Coaches and Diddillibah Bus Service out of Maroochydore. Nearly all his jobs had a tour element involved – from doing school camp transfers and snow trips to safari tours. A few years after their wedding in 1990, Sandra took a break from her teaching career to join him working for Swagman Tours on safari as a hostess and cook. In the beginning, Geoff subcontracted coaches to do safari tours for international exchange students before buying a Motorcoach 53-seater to do school charters and tours out of Mt Cotton. By 2015, they had added five more coaches to the fleet, expanded operations to include more school work, started running camping safaris and begun ‘citizen science’ tours for the Save the Bilby Fund. Blue Bus continues to support the national charity by diverting fares collected from any adult passengers who travel on its school buses to the Bilby Fund. In 2019, Geoff and Sandra started Blue Bus Tours – an extended accommodated tour program using their BLK 13.5m tour coach. Pre-Covid, they were also running extended tours and regular day trips for up to 50 seniors groups, in addition to regular charters for schools and sub-contracts for other tour companies. The couple lived with their four kids, Adam, Travis, Lara and Gary, on Russell Island and operated the school bus until 2007 when they moved to the mainland to gain better health access for their youngest son, Gary. He was born with Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome – a severe form of intellectual impairment and autism. Sandra quit teaching to provide full-time care to Gary, who was born a day before the couple bought the business. In 2015, they were able to get some assistance from Queensland Disability Services and later from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which allowed Sandra the flexibility to accompany Geoff on tours. The couple’s love for tours goes back as long as their love story; they met on a coach tour to Ayers Rock back in the 1980s.

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OPERATOR

BLUE BUS

Until March last year, Geoff and Sandra were running all 10 of their vehicles and employing 14 staff, but since trimming down their operations, they have four active vehicles and eight casual staff. “When all our charters and tours were cancelled last year we only had our island school runs operating. JobKeeper kept some of our staff engaged but, after a while, Geoff and I took on more roles ourselves as we couldn’t afford to keep our mechanic and office staff. As a result, we have worked far longer hours than we ever have, for less return,” said Sandra. “While planning for when things would improve, we scaled back all our expenses, de-registered some of our vehicles, kept contact with our customers and refunded a lot of tour payments. However, we were 52

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which is reassuring to our passengers,” said Geoff. “We have great drivers. We encourage them to work independently and give them the skills and authority to make decisions on the road to ensure our tours progress smoothly. Things don’t always go to plan during a tour, but a good driver can overcome obstacles to still ensure the passengers have a great time. “We use the services of group itinerary planner Expanding Horizons for our tour planning, which has helped us immensely. They are working very hard for a lot of small operators like us and only charge for their services if the tour goes ahead.”

CURRENT ENVIRONMENT With authorities changing rules at short notice during the ongoing pandemic, businesses like Blue Bus suffer not just upfront financial losses, but also time spent planning the charters and tours, some of which have been several weeks or months in the making. “There’s no compensation for these changes and we’re the ones copping penalties. The state government should do more to assist small operators,” said Geoff. “Dealing with Queensland Transport

Above: Sandra manages accounts, payroll and marketing for the company. Below: As well as driving, Geoff does the catering on the safari tours. Opposite, Above + Below: Blue Bus’ 10 buses and coaches include five BCI coaches, a BLK, a Volvo, a Mercedes-Benz and two 57-seat Daewoo B117 buses; Geoff says that small operators can provide a cost-effective tour for passengers so need more support during the government-imposed Covid lockdowns.

We have put Guardian Seeing Machine systems in our long-distance tour coaches, which gives us reassurance that the driver is being constantly monitored for fatigue. grateful that many of our customers were happy to leave payments in credit for when tours re-commenced. We were very lucky to get our first extended tour away in August, 2020, and it was a 13-day tour to Birdsville. We were the first tour coach to visit some of those outback towns last year,” she explained. Treating customers as people, not numbers, is an important business value for Blue Bus. The team knows the customers by name and Geoff prefers to speak to them directly on the phone rather than interacting through a booking system. That’s the reason they haven’t put automated booking on their website. “Safety of our drivers and passengers is really important to us. We have put Guardian Seeing Machine systems in our long-distance tour coaches, which gives us reassurance that the driver is being constantly monitored for fatigue. We also take a defibrillator on the tour coach, busnews.com.au September 2021 ABC

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OPERATOR

BLUE BUS

is also a challenge because the de-registration and re-registration rules due to Covid weren’t clear to their staff. We had to go in person to re-register the vehicles and ended up wasting a lot of time there; even dealing on the phone with them takes time. “There is no government support for the bus and coach industry as a whole. Airlines received funds to keep afloat, customers are getting vouchers for flights, but there is no consideration for the tour bus industry. “We went on an extended accommodated tour to Birdsville after the restrictions in 2020. We were the first tour coach to visit

some of those outback towns last year and spent a lot of money with local providers and there is no recognition by the Queensland state government that we’re doing that. “We support those communities when things are good and bad, but it’s very frustrating that the government doesn’t see that our passengers are worthy of a travel voucher to jump on our coach and go for a tour. All the support has been for big businesses, with very little for small businesses like ours. “One of the saddest things we’re seeing is many small operators are losing their businesses. Small operators can provide a cost-effective tour for passengers

We remain positive about our future despite the current challenges.

Above: Future goals include getting back to longdistance touring across borders and have purpose-designed tour coaches that cater more for passengers with mobility issues. Left: Vehicle service and mechanical work is managed in-house at Blue Bus’ Redland Bay workshop. 54

and the big guys need to help out the little guys because it is in everyone’s interest that coach operations continue.” Geoff also feels that there is going to be a skills shortage because the bus industry has not done much to address the issue of driver shortage over the years. “Once the government starts saying there will be no more lockdowns and restrictions, hope and confidence will return and passengers will book holidays again. Until then, we are a long way off recovering. “However, we remain positive about our future despite the current challenges. Our goals are to improve our fleet age, which sits at a 12-year mark presently; get back to long-distance touring across borders; have purposedesigned tour coaches that cater more for passengers with mobility issues – this is close to our heart as our child uses a wheelchair – and; also get to the part where we’re having fun again.”

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EVENT

TASBUS CONFERENCE 2021

WORDS CAT FITZPATRICK IMAGES COURTESY TASBUS

IVEN the tumultuous show preparations nationwide this year with the pandemic’s seemingly ‘on again, off again’ switch being thrown for all the lockdowns and or restrictions, there was much hope TasBus would be an ‘uninterrupted event’. And it was, in its own right – but Covid lockdown in Melbourne at the time did have an impact on many interstaters’ travel plans to attend the show. With that stated, it was a pretty good turnout and event overall put on by the amazing Tasmanian bus and coach fraternity, with a total of 90 attendees during the day and 117 for the conference dinner. “The Tasmanian bus conference

provided an opportunity for operators and suppliers to gather together after the cancellation of the 2020 conference,” TasBus general manager Geoff Lewis said to ABC magazine. “Unfortunately, due to Melbourne lockdown occurring two days before the conference, quite a few suppliers from Victoria were unable to attend. “However, highlights of the conference were the excellent presentations by all presenters and the presence of all three Tasmanian political parties in addressing the conference delegates. Shane Dewsbery was also recognised for his outstanding contribution to the industry in recognition of his 20 years

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After last year’s TasBus Conference was cancelled, it was great to see Tassie’s bus community come together again in style for the 2021 event, held 28-29 May, at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart.

The Tasmanian bus conference provided an opportunity for operators and suppliers to gather together finally. as a director of TasBus and his time as president.” Following a welcome function held on the Friday night, the official opening of the 2021 annual conference kicked off with a greeting from TasBus general manager Geoff Lewis. This was followed by an official welcome by the Hon Michael Ferguson MP, Premier of Tasmania and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, complemented by addresses Top: Scania’s Jaimie Atkinson spoke to delegates about the future of engine power technology. Above: It was great to bring the bus community together again after last year’s cancelled event. Left: Despite lockdowns affecting those coming from wider afield, there was still a good turnout. Far Left: Shane ‘Bubbles’ Dewsbery receives his Outstanding Contribution award from Madelaine Ogilvie MP.

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EVENT

TASBUS CONFERENCE 2021

The silent auction had attendees bidding on everything from model vehicles and TVs to drones, tyres and watches.

Top: Hobart provided a beautiful backdrop to the conference. Above, Centre: Maria Capati spoke about buying and selling businesses. Right: Attendees heard from all three Tasmanian political parties. Opposite, Top and Centre Right: Ian McDonald spoke about changes to the Fair Work Amendment Act. Opposite, Centre Left: Puppy time! Funds were raised for Guide Dogs Australia. Opposite, Bottom: Dixie Emmerton, managing director of the Centre for Australian Industry. 58

from across the political spectrum by Anita Dow MP, Acting Leader of Tasmanian Labor and Cassy O’Connor MP, Leader of the Tasmanian Greens. The rest of the morning presentations covered the topics of future engine power technology in Tasmania, presented by Jamie Atkinson, Scania’s national sales and contracts manager for Vic,

Tas, SA and WA; recent changes to the Fair Work Amendment Act 2021, presented by Ian McDonald, national industrial relations manager at the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association; how to perform a health check of your business, by Dixie Emmerton, managing director of the Centre for Australian Industry; and the necessary requirements for buying or selling a business and planning for succession by Maria Capati a commercial lawyer with Piper Alderman. After lunch, the afternoon session was kicked off with a presentation on the future of tourism post-Covid-19 by Rob Pennicott, the owner of tour operator Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. This was followed by a national update from the Bus Industry Confederation by BIC chairman Wayne Patch, who outlined BIC’s current working papers as well as its

ABC September 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_409_056-59_Event TASBUS FC.indd 58

13/09/2021 5:18:16 PM

findings from a review into the organisation’s role as an industry representative, followed by a moving tribute to BIC director Michael Apps, who passed away at the end of 2020. With the conference wrapped up by TasBus president Shane Dewsbery it was time for a quick cuppa before the annual general meeting. Finally, with the work part over, it was time to let loose with a conference dinner in the hotel’s ballroom, with the star attractions being the presentation of industry awards and a charity raffle and auction to raise money for Guide Dogs Australia. Award winners were: Grant Hickey for the Achievement Award; Ben Were of B Were Electrics for Supplier of the Year; and Metro Tasmania for the Environment and Innovation Award. The silent auction for Guide Dogs Australia had attendees bidding on everything from model vehicles and TVs to drones, tyres and watches, with the final amount raised coming to an amazing $16,927. “The money raised [goes] to the Guide Dog Association

for their Autism Assistance Dogs program to help children with autism be able to better assimilate into their families and their community,” said Lewis to local newspaper the Hobart Observer as to how the funds raised will be used. “The dogs promote confidence, independence and inclusion, and [the program is] enabling children to have a dog of their own so they have the confidence to go out and have a safety net,” added Guide Dogs Tasmania program manager Kim Ryan. With another successful TasBus conference wrapped up, there are high hopes for 2022, said Lewis. “Next year’s conference will be held at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June and we look forward having all those who were unable to attend this year with us,” he said. busnews.com.au September 2021 ABC

ABC_409_056-59_Event TASBUS FC.indd 59

13/09/2021 5:18:54 PM

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Untitled-62 61

13/9/21 9:56 am

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Yutong Bus Centre Brisbane CK

NEW

USED

ST O

LI ST MIT O E CK D

NEW

2016 YUTONG Goanna

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar optional, Great little mini-bus.

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP AUTO A/C.

GREAT VALUE. CALL NOW

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ST O

NEW

D12

57 Seats, Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

39 Seats, Cummins ISB6, 250hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

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ST O

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

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom

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$295,990 + GST & ORC 57x Seater School Bus

Barry Henderson | 0427 750 885 | qldsales@yutong.com.au David Green | 0418 253 422 | david@abccoachsales.com.au

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ST O IN

80,00kms CUMMINS ISB4 4.5L, EURO5 103KW ALLISON 21006SP AUTO A/C.

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57 Seats, Cummins ISB8.9E, 360hp, School Bus with through bins, ABS, ASR, EBS, ECAS and many more features.

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2016 YUTONG Goanna

27 Seats, Cummins ISBe5 160hp, DVD/TV, Curtains, Alloy, Tow Bar optional, Great little mini-bus.

T12 series – A new level of comfort and freedom

USED

ST O

$315,990 + GST & ORC Including Wheelchair Lift

NEW

LI ST MIT O E CK D

Yutong Bus Centre Melbourne

Lou Riccardi | 0411426 148 | vicsales@yutong.com.au

24 Grasslands Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3064

busnews.com.au SEPTEMBER 2021 ABC

ABC 409 62-69.indd 63

14/9/21 8:36 am

ABC SALES

& MAINTENANCE

Australian Owned and Operated Supplier of Yutong Buses and Coaches

QUEENSLAND / NORTHERN TERRITORY / NORTHERN NSW

$46,000

YUTONG D7 ZK6760DDA 2015 25+1 seater leather, Euro 5, Cummin ISB4.5,140HP, Towbar & Bullbar. (located in Melbourne)

$75,000

HIGER BOSS 2010

45+1 Leather recline, Cummins isl 250 hp engine, allison 6 sp auto, thermoking heat/cool a/c, alloy bull bar, windscreen stone guard. (located in Brisbane)

$220,000

YUTONG D9 ZK6930H 2017

35 seater + toilet, diesel euro 5- Cummins IBS 6.7litre. 250hp, heat and cooling system. (located in Brisbane)

$36,000

HINO RB8 2009

34+1 fixed seats, 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine driving through a 6 speed manual gearbox, bullbar, towbar. (located in Sydney)

Barry Henderson: qldsales@yutong.com.au  0427 750 885 David Green: sales@abccoachsales.com.au  0418 253 422 64

ABC SEPTEMBER 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC 409 62-69.indd 64

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WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL 03 9567 4154

Bookings for next issue close on OCT 14th 2021

CONTACT Phil 03 5623 5377 admin@warragulbuslines.com.au

2013 MAN 18-290

2010 SCANIA K320

MCV body, automatic, 57 seatbelts, Thermoking A/C.

Higer A30, 57 Seatbelts, Auto, A/C, 385,000km

$80,000 + GST

$148,000 + GST

$140,000 + GST

$95,000 + GST

Deluxe, 24 seats, Manual, 122,000km

$115,000 + GST

2004 MERCEDES O500RF

ABC-HH2-5129255-TS-409

2018 MITSUBISHI ROSA

2005 MERCEDES O500RF 50 Recliners, Toilet, A/C, Manual

2002 IVECO

2006 HINO RK260

2013 BONLUCK

2008 HINO RN8J

Autobus, 57 Seatbelts, A/C, Manual

Custom CB50 body, 61 seats, Manual, Thermoking. 480,000km

P&D body, 57 seats, Manual. 360,000 KMS

President, Cummins, Automatic, 57 Seatbelts, A/C

A/C, 57 Seats, Manual

$75,000 + GST

$40,000 + GST

$50,000 + GST

$120,000 + GST

$65,000 + GST

2 X 2013 HIGER MUNRO

2016 BONLUCK “SENATOR 9”

Cummins ISF 165hp, automatic, 28 lap sash seat belted seats in leather, roof A/C, DVD, towbar, travelled approx. 200,000klm very clean

2017 YUTONG D12

2020 BLK “PRESIDENT 10”

2003 SCANIA K124EB 8X2

Cummins ISB 250hp Allison auto inc retarder,43 lap sash seat belted seats, A/C, underfloor bins,4 x sliding windows, bull bar, travelled approx. 145,000klm ,very clean

automatic, Cummins ISL360hp, 57 fixed coach seats including lap sash seat belts, A/C,underfloor bins, DVD, alloy rims, tachograph, plus more, travelled approx. 213,00klm

automatic, Cummins ISB300hp, 41 lap sash seat belted recliners, Spheros auto heat cool A/C, large undefloor bins, DVD, Bull bar, alloy rims, as new, travelled only 25,000klms,stll under warranty.

automatic, 24 fixed coach seats inc lap sash seat belts, Bull bar, windscreen protector, 50mm towbar, very clean, travelled approx. 208,000klm

Opticruise inc retarder, Coach Design 14.5m body, 65 lap sash seat belted recliners + guide,toilet, A/C,underfloor bins, many extras

$45,000.00+GST each

$135,000.00+GST

$149,000.00+GST

$195,000.00+GST

$42,500.00+GST

$95,000.00+GST

2012 SCANIA K310IB

2013 BONLUCK ‘SENATOR 12”

2015 YUTONG 9.2M

2015 IVECO EURORIDER

automatic, Irizar Century body, 53 lap sash seat belted recliners, underfloor bins, A/C, Tachograph, travelled approx. 360,000klms

57 lap sash seated belted seats, approx. 275,000klm

automatic, 39 lap sash seat belted seats in cloth, DVD, underfloor bins, A/C, just repainted and complete chassis service,very clean, travelled approx. 330,000klm

POA

$120,00.00+GST

POA

Cummins ISL320hp Alllison automatic inc retarder, A/C, underfloor bins, travelled

automatic, 13.2m Irizar Century body, 52 lap sash seat belted recliners, toilet, A/C, travelled only 102,000klm

Reduced to $195,000.00+GST

2012 MITSUBISHI ROSA DELUXE

ABC-HH-5171496-TS-406

2013 HIGER Road Boss, Cummins, Automatic, 53 Seatbelts, A/C

2011 BCI “EXPLORER” CUMMINS ISM410HP Allison auto inc retarder, 58 lap sash seat belted leather recliners, rear toilet, Tracs A/C, large underfloor bins, very clean, complete service history

Wheelchair lift equipped $115,000 +GST

2010 KING LONG MIDI 2014 VOLVO B7R automatic, Marcopolo body, 57 lap sash seat belted seats, Spheros auto heat cool A/C, underfloor bins, DVD, complete chassis and body service, very clean, travelled approx. 225,000klm

POA

automatic, diesel, 12 or 14 passengers, A/C, towbar, very clean, travelled approx. 85,000klm

automatic,Cummmins ISB240hp, 39 fixed coach seats including lap sash seat belts, Coachair heat cool A/C,underfloor bins, DVD, alloy rims, tachograph, complete chassis and body service plus more, travelled approx. 335,00klm

$42,000.00+GST

$69,500.00+GST

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Over 35 years experience in the bus and coach industry busnews.com.au SEPTEMBERT 2021 ABC

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COACH FOR SALE

COACH FOR SALE buses large & small $$$ bounty paid on collection

(03) 9782 3207 2006 MERCEDES BENZ OC 500 RF OM 457LA Euro 3 Gearbox GO 210 6 Speed Manual Travelled 1,378,000 Km, Coach Design body, Toilet Equipped Wheelchair lift-side door 48 coach seats NSW Registered Passed last HVIS inspection April 21 $70,000 + GST

2015 SCANIA LUXURY TOUR COACH Coach Concepts Body, Thermo King A/C, 51 Styleride Seats plus Courier, 2 Entry / Exit Doors, Only 230,000 bitumen klms.

More pictures at: www.shbl.com.au Contact Peter or Lachlan BusBiz 03 5032 1068

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ABC SEPTEMBERw 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC 409 62-69.indd 68

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Comfort, convenience and capacity The D12 series Yutong is the world’s largest bus manufacturer – combining technology, design and reliability to deliver consistent quality and longevity in mind – to provide a transport experience you can trust. As a multipurpose bus, the D12 brings comfort and style with its air suspension and fully adjustable high back luxury seats. The premium option for schools, mining or charter operations, it stands tall in delivering robust safety and reliability to its drivers, passengers and operators. A true crowd pleaser.

ABC 409 62-69.indd 69

yuton g.com . au

drive comfort at every turn. Each vehicle is built with safety and

14/9/21 8:36 am

DELIVERIES

AUGUST 2021

August bus deliveries unable to get into gear Slow start to new financial year persists, exclusive ABC data reveals.

he Australian bus and coach market remained flat on the previous month, with 68 deliveries reported by manufacturers. The numbers are struggling to lift in the new financial year, with July’s 69 and August’s 68 well down on the 114 reported in June. Scania enjoyed a solid month-on-month rise in the chassis sector, up from 11 to 27 deliveries. This was underpinned by a 14-unit order from Ventura and another six from Transdev. Volvo fell back from 29 to 19, with Perth Transport Authorities providing eight of its deliveries, and Busways another six. Yutong was next best, just short of double digits. Volgren led the body-building sector with 26 deliveries, a jump of 10 on July. No other bodybuilder reached double figures here, though Yutong was next best on nine. A long tail followed, with 14 names on six deliveries and under sharing the remaining 33 units. In the air-conditioning sector, Thermo King

saw a slight dip on its 50 last month, settling for 39 in August. It still occupied more than half the market, with Cling-Yutong following on nine and Denso on eight. Only four jurisdictions were involved in August deliveries. Victoria was the busiest, with 41 per cent of deliveries recorded there. NSW followed with a quarter, WA on 21 per cent, and Queensland 13 per cent. Turn overleaf for comprehensive bus and coach delivery information for July. Please note all data is as supplied from manufacturers, at their discretion.

The numbers are struggling to lift in the new financial year, with July’s 69 and August’s 68 well down on the 114 reported in June.

ABC September 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_409_070-71_Bus Deliveries column FC.indd 70

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Volgren 26 Yutong 9 Custom Bus 6 Scania Higer Touring 5 Irizar 4 Bustech 3 Express Coaches 3 Gemilang 2 JBUS 2 P&D Coachworks 2 BCI 1

SALES BY BODY

BLK 1 Challenger 1 Coach Concepts 1 Coach Design 1 Marcopolo 1

41%

13% QLD

VIC

21% WA

Percentage by

REGION

Volgren led the body-building sector with 26 deliveries, a jump of 10 on July. No other bodybuilder reached double figures here, though Yutong was next best on nine. A long tail followed, with 14 names on six deliveries and under sharing the remaining 33 units.

SALES BY AIR-CONDITIONER

In the air conditioner sector, Thermo King saw a slight dip on its 50 last month, settling for 39 in August. It still occupied more than half the market, with Cling-Yutong following on nine and Denso on eight.

Thermo King 39 Cling-Yutong 9 Denso 8 Konvekta 5

Hispacold Spheros MCC

4 2 1

SCANIA 27

VOLVO 19

25%

YUTONG 9

NSW

HINO 4

MAN 3

MERCEDES-BENZ 3

Sales by chassis

BCI 1

Scania enjoyed a solid month-on-month rise in the chassis sector, up from 11 to 27 deliveries. This was underpinned by a 14-unit order from Ventura and another six from Transdev. Volvo fell back from 29 to 19, with Perth Transport Authorities providing eight of its deliveries and Busways another six. Yutong was next best, just short of double digits.

BLK 1

CHALLENGER 1

busnews.com.au September 2021 ABC

ABC_409_070-71_Bus Deliveries column FC.indd 71

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DELIVERIES

AUGUST 2021

ENGINES

TRANSM

UNITS

MANUFACTURER, OPERATOR & LOCATION

CHASSIS

BCI

Frederick Rowe

QLD

Proma

BCI

210

Euro 5

BLK

AM & RD Allen

QLD

Senator 9

BLK

300

Euro 5

CHALLENGER

Castlemaine

VIC

V10 GT

Challenger

320

Euro 5

HINO

N/A

NSW

RN8J

P&D Coachworks

286

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

RN8J

P&D Coachworks

286

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

Poncho

JBUS

185

Euro 5

Kinetic

QLD

LE.19.320.RC2.E5

Bustech

320

Euro 5

MERCEDES BENZ N/A

QLD

OC500LE E6

Volgren

360

Euro 6

N/A

VIC

OC500RF E5 1936

Gemilang

360

Euro 5

N/A

VIC

OC500RF E5 1936

Gemilang

360

Euro 5

D A Heard Buses

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Concepts

310

Euro 5

Irizar Asia Pacific

VIC

K 360 IB4X2

Irizar

360

Euro 6

L C Dyson's Bus Services

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Irizar

360

Euro 5

McHarrys Bus Lines

VIC

K 310 IB4X2

Volgren VIC

310

Euro 5

MIA Passenger Express

NSW

K 310 IB4X2

Express Coaches

310

Euro 5

Millerds Bus Service

NSW

K 320 UB4X2

Express Coaches

320

Euro 6

Transdev Melbourne

VIC

K 320 UB4X2

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Ventura Bus Lines

VIC

K 320 UB4X2

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Ventura Bus Lines

VIC

K 360 IB4X2

Scania Higer Touring

360

Euro 6

Warren Bus Service

K 310 IB4X2

Coach Design

320

Euro 5

Devlin Buslines

VIC

B8R

Irizar

330

Euro 5

Busways Pacific

NSW

B8R

Custom

330

Euro 5

Ken Bus

NSW

B8R

Marcopolo

330

Euro 5

South Coast Transit

NSW

B8R

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Nambucca Bus Service

NSW

B8R

Express

330

Euro 5

Wide Bay Transit - Down Under Coach Tours

QLD

B8R

Irizar

350

Euro 6

Perth Transport Authorities

B8RLE

Volgren

320

Euro 6

Perth Transport Authorities

B8RLEA

Volgren

320

Euro 6

N/A

NSW

D12

Yutong

360

Euro 5

N/A

NSW

D12

Yutong

360

Euro 5

N/A

QLD

Yutong

160

Euro 5

N/A

QLD

Yutong

250

Euro 5

N/A

Yutong

250

Euro 5

N/A

Yutong

250

Euro 5

N/A

Yutong

160

Euro 5

N/A

D12

Yutong

360

Euro 5

N/A

D12

Yutong

360

Euro 5

MAN

SCANIA

VOLVO

YUTONG

(Model)

BODY BUILDER

HP*

Rear / Front

Emissions standard

TOTAL DELIVERIES 68 72

ABC September 2021 busnews.com.au

ABC_409_072-73_Bus Deliveries Table FC.indd 72

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

NUMBER OF SEATS

APPLICATION

issions andard

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

AXLES

TRANSMISSION

BODY LENGTH

uro 5

8.8

MCC

–

uro 5

Allison

9.8

Spheros

–

uro 5

Cummins

10.5

Thermo King

–

uro 5

Thermo King

–

uro 5

Thermo King

–

uro 5

Aisin

8.00

Denso

uro 5

10-12.9

Thermo King

uro 6

12.5

uro 5

uro 6

SEATING

SEAT BELTS

Sege

–

Fainsa

–

Fainsa

–

McConnell

–

Styleride

–

Styleride

–

STYLERIDE

Thermo King

–

STYLERIDE

13.5

Thermo King

–

MCCONNELL

13.5

Thermo King

–

MCCONNELL

12.5

Thermo King

–

Styleride

12.5

Hispacold

–

Sege

uro 5

12.5

Hispacold

–

McConnell

uro 5

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

Scania

12.3

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

12.5

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

N/A

12.5

Denso

–

McConnell

uro 6

12.5-13

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

12-12.3

Konvekta

–

McConnell

uro 5

Thermo King

–

Styleride

uro 5

10-12.9

Hispacold

–

Styleride

uro 5

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

10-12.9

Spheros

–

Marcopolo

uro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

Volvo

10-12.9

Hispacold

–

Sege

uro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 6

10-12.9

Thermo King

–

McConnell

uro 5

ALLISON

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

uro 5

ALLISON

12.4

Cling-Yutong

–

N/A

TRANS MAKE

(metres)

AIR-CON (Brand)

Fixed Coach

Recliners

Metro

Long Distance

Charter

City or Route

School

*Bustech Group comprises Bustech, Elphinstone and Precision Buses. Volgren’s count includes any units from its partnership with Supportrans.

busnews.com.au September 2021 ABC

ABC_409_072-73_Bus Deliveries Table FC.indd 73

14/09/2021 1:52:43 PM

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Challenger V12

School/Charter/Day Tour

CHALLENGER V10: Seating Options: 43,45,47 Engine: Cummins ISB 6.7L e5 Length: 10.5 Meters Weight: 15.5 tonne GVM

CHALLENGER V12: Seating Options: 53,57,68 Engine: Cummins ISL 8.9 e5 Length: 12.36 Meters Weight: 18 tonne GVM

STANDARD FEATURES: • ThermoKing Air Conditioning • 360 Degree Cameras • MobilEye anti-collision • Funtoro Telematics • Flexibility on seating and specifications • Personal service and after sales support www.challengerbusandcoach.com.au Greg Sloan (Owner Director) 0418 314 642 greg@challengerbusandcoach.com.au Dan Campbell (Sales Manager) 0425 752 938 dan@challengerbusandcoach.com.au Geoff Mead (WA Sales Manager) 0438 509 439 geoff@challengerbusandcoach.com.au

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13/9/21 2:33 pm

2 YEARS FREE SERVICING *

ON THE ALL-NEW ROSA

With a longstanding history of being Australia’s favourite light-duty bus, the next generation of Fuso Rosa continues to raise the bar in safety, reliability and overall driving experience – now with 2 years free servicing included. With the only 5year/200,000km warranty and 15,000km service interval in its class, you really can’t go past a Fuso Rosa. DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS

AEBS ADVANCED EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM

ESP

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM

LDWS LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM

TO SEE HOW THE ALL-NEW ROSA STACKS UP, VISIT FUSOROSA.COM.AU

*Offer available on vehicles purchased between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021, delivered by 31 March, 2022, unless extended and while stocks last. Includes all 22-Seat Deluxe, 25-Seat Standard and 25-Seat Deluxe UG Rosa. Excludes rental and fleet customers. Please contact an authorised dealer for eligible available vehicles. Scheduled servicing and repairs are provided on the standard terms, conditions and exclusions of a 2yr/60,000km/1,200Hrs (whichever comes first) BestBasic Service Plan and exclude wheels, rims and tyres. Servicing can only be carried out by an authorised Fuso Service dealer. #Warranty terms and conditions apply, 5 year/200,000km whichever comes first. See an authorised Fuso dealer or our warranty policy at https://www.fuso.com.au/Warranty-Policy. Fuso is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation Japan and distributed by Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty Ltd ABN 86 618 413 282.

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6/9/21 4:45 pm 13/9/21 4:10 pm